Section 8 Housing

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SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Virginia, MN will help pay your rent if your income is below the income limit. Eligible families select their own rental units, and pay between 30-40% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent and utilities. The HRA pays the balance of the rent.

 

Who can apply for rent assistance?

The program is open to low-income families without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, source of income, or present residential location.

 

Where can a person rent and receive subsidy?

Rentals units can be rented anywhere in the jurisdiction of a Housing Authority in the United States that is administering tenant-based program.  The Virginia Housing Authority’s jurisdiction is St. Louis County, north of Cotton, Minnesota.

 

What are the income limits of the program? 

You may be eligible if your income is below the minimum annual income limits shown below:

Family size:

  • 1 person-   $21,600           
  • 2 people-   $24,700
  • 3 people-   $27,800
  • 4 people-   $30,850
  • 5 people-   $33,350
  • 6 people-   $35,800

 

What types of rental housing are included?

Privately owned duplexes, townhomes, apartments, cooperatives, congregate housing, single family homes, and mobile homes are included if they are in the maximum rent limits of the program.

 

What are the maximum rents allowed for the program? 

To qualify for assistance, a rental unit must not rent for more than the following:

Size of Unit:      0BR      1BR      2BR      3BR      4BR
Payment:      $459      $552      $675      $851      $1044

Mobile home space:  $275   *Maximum rents include all utilities except cable and telephone

 

 

 

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICENCY PROGRAM

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program, (FSS), is federally funded program created to assist low-income families become economically stable. As an incentive, a participant may be eligible to start an escrow account. As their income increases due to earned income, a portion that is equivalent to the increase is put into an escrow savings account on a monthly basis. The account also accrues interest. When the participant has graduated from the program, the escrow account monies are paid to the participant to use in any way they wish. Participation can last up to five years. However, a family may graduate from the program before then.

 

How Does the FSS Program Work?

The FSS Program provides a unique opportunity for a FSS Coordinator to work with families in developing an individual plan that is specific to their needs. The FSS Coordinator will help the participants in identifying any obstacles and developing realistic goals to overcome those barriers. In addition, the FSS Coordinator can provide referrals and other services to help the participant achieve those goals, while monitoring the families’ progress towards self-sufficiency. Ways in which referrals and services can benefit families are, but not limited to:

  • Obtaining Employment
  • Life Skills
  • Escrow Account, (Savings)
  • Budgeting, Establishing Credit, Credit Repair
  • Homeownership
  • Education Advancement, (G.E.D. / College Degree)
  • Transitioning Out of Subsidized Housing

 

Once the goals are met, the participant may graduate from the program.

 

Who is Eligible?

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary program for anyone currently receiving rental assistance through a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. (Please Note: a family can be 1 individual!)

For More Information Please Contact:

Jenny Johnson
FSS Coordinator
Phone: (218) 741-2610 X 210
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

HOW DOES THE SECTION 8 PROGRAM WORK?

  1. In order to receive rental assistance, you must complete a Section 8 HVC program application,
    which is available at the HRA office or on-line.

  2. Applications may be mailed, hand delivered, faxed, or emailed to the Virginia HRA.

  3. Once we have received your application, your name is placed on the Section 8 waiting list in chronological order. A letter stating the date that your application was received will be mailed to you.

  4. Once an opening occurs in the Section 8 HCV program, applicants will be selected from the waiting list and a letter will be mailed requesting information for a background check.

  5. Upon eligibility, applicants are required to attend a briefing session in order to obtain a voucher.

  6. The briefing session will consist of what the Section 8 HCV program is, the process, rules, and additional housing information.

 

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICENCY PROGRAM

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary program for anyone currently receiving rental
assistance through a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. (Please Note: a family can be 1 individual!)

For More Information Please Contact:

Jenny Johnson
FSS Coordinator
Phone: (218) 741-2610 X 210
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.