Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The housing choice voucher program is a federal program that helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments, and are not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Adams County Housing Authority (ACHA) administers 1384 Housing Choice Vouchers on behalf of  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by ACHA. If the unit is approved by ACHA, a housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by ACHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

As currently subsidized families become economically self-sufficient and no longer need assistance, or when additional funding is secured, vouchers become available. As there are more qualifying participants than available vouchers, a lottery is periodically held to determine which families will be pulled from the waitlist and offered a voucher. If an applicant’s number is drawn he/she will be notified by mail to complete the application and formal eligibility processing.

           Quick Links to Section 8 Forms:

Change of status                                                                                     Request for Reasonable Accommodation

Employment Verification                                                                        Childcare Verification

Verification of Student Status                                                                Lead-Based Paint Form

Carbon Monoxide Law                                                                             Portability Request Form

Fair Housing Form                                                                                   30-Day Notice to Vacate

Mutual Termination of Lease                                                                  Request for Tenancy Approval

HQS Form                                                                                                2011 Utility Schedule Allowance

2012 Utility Schedule Allowance