Applying & Information
Housing Choice Program
Office Hours:
8AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday
Address:
300 Hickory
PO Box 45
Carterville, IL 62918
(Security Dropbox for Recertifications and Documentation)
Phone: 618-985-2422
Getting Assistance
How it works
Our Lobby is Open and Our Security Dropbox is Open 24 Hours to Receive Recertification Paperwork.
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER
(Formerly Known as Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is the federal government’s major program assisting low-moderate income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford decent, safe housing in the private market.
Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.
Program vouchers are administered by the Williamson County Housing Authority, who receives federal funds to administer the program. A family who 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. Rental units must meet standards of health and safety, as determined by the Housing Quality Standards set by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord on behalf to the participating family. The family then is responsible to pay the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
HCV Family Self-Sufficiency Program
This program offers a financial incentive for participation. This is achieved by establishing an escrow account that is payable to the family upon completion of a five-year Contract of Participation.
The goal of this program is for families to become economic independent and self-sufficient. During the length of the contract, family members are required to seek education, job training and employment as appropriate for each individual family and their members.
FAQ
Do I Qualify?
Per U.S. Housing and Urban Development any amount owed to the WCHA or any Public Housing Authority or property owner in connections with any subsidized housing program must be paid in full prior to application approval. Repayment agreements cannot be accepted.
Like most landlords, we screen rental applicants. To be considered suitable, which includes, but is not limited to being able to pay rent when due, comply with your lease, maintain rental property, and live peacefully with your neighbors.
You do not need to be a United States citizen to apply for housing, but every member of your family must either be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status to receive housing subsidy.
Please contact us with any questions vie email, phone or in person at our office.
