Section 8

Introduction

The Section 8 program was enacted as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which re-codifies the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.  The Act has been amended from time to time and its requirements, as they apply to the Section 8 Housing Voucher Programs.  The goals of the program are  to assist the local economy by increasing the occupancy rate and the amount of money flowing to the community, and to encourage self-sufficiency of participant families.

What are Housing Choice Vouchers?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary 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, townhomes and apartments.  The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHA's).  The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority provides rental assistance for the jurisdiction of the City of Suffolk, Virginia.  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.

Family Outreach

Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority publicizes and disseminates information to make known the availability of housing assistance and related services for very low-income families in a newspaper of general circulation, minority media, and by other suitable means.  The Housing Authority also informs broadcasting media and initiates personal contacts with members of the news media and community service personnel.  In addition, the Housing Authority communicates the status of housing availability to other service providers in the community, advises them of housing eligibility factors and guidelines in order that they can make proper referrals for housing assistance.

Owner Outreach

The staff of the Housing Authority initiates personal contact with private property owners and manager by conducting formal and informal discussions and meetings.  Printed material is offered to acquaint owners and managers with the opportunities available under the program.  The Housing Authority conducts periodic semi-annual meetings with participating owners to improve owner relations and to recruit new owners.

Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority encourages owners of decent, safe and sanitary housing units to lease to Section 8 families. The Housing Authority maintains a list of interested landlords and a list of units available for the Section 8 Program and updates this list monthly.  When listings from owners are received, they will be compiled by the Housing Authority staff by bedroom size. 

For more information on how you as a landlord can participate in the Section 8 Voucher Program contact us at (757) 539-2100.

Send mail to SRHA@Suffolkrha.org with questions or comments about this web site.  
Last modified: 02/24/03