Title
Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist Opening
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee with information regarding the Housing Department's plan to open the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Housing Department’s HCV program, formerly known as Section 8, is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. HCV program participants pay approximately 30 percent of their monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities, and the Housing Department pays the difference between the tenant's rental portion and the total contracted rent directly to the landlord.
The HCV program waitlist last opened in August 2016, when approximately 27,000 pre-applications were received. Based on program funding and voucher availability, individuals and families are selected from the waitlist when they reach the top, and a more detailed application is completed to conduct a full eligibility determination. Of the pre-applications received in 2016, approximately 16,000 applicants were mailed update letters in 2021 and 2023, of which approximately 2,200 applicants responded. Upon confirming continued interest from those remaining on the current HCV waitlist following industry practice and in consultation with HUD, the Housing Department will need to open the waitlist to accept new pre-applications for the program.
To be considered for the HCV program, applicants must submit a complete pre-application either online, by email, or by paper form during the time frame when the City of Phoenix has the waitlist open. Standard household information, including name, address, household members, and annual income, will be obtained. Applicants will not be asked to provide their citizenship/immigration status or social security numbers on the pre-application. All completed applications received will be accepted, and their placement on the waiting list will be electronically randomized using a computer program. The Housing Department will contact applicants once their file is selected from the waiting list to determine their eligibility for participation in the HCV program.
Public Outreach
Based on 2020 Census data gathered for the Housing Department's Language Access Plan, marketing materials will be available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Swahili.
The Department will partner with internal and external partners to advertise the opening of the waiting list. A variety of marketing outlets will be employed, including:
- City of Phoenix website
- Local newspapers
- Minority-specific media
- Digital and social media
A public notice and Frequently Asked Questions will communicate important program information to the community. Designated contact information will be made available for any reasonable accommodation requests, requests for alternate formats, and assistance or questions with the pre-application process.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Housing Department.