the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Affordable Housing ProgramsThe Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for <strong>the</strong> implementation andadministration of federal housing and development programs. HUD is organized into ten regionsthroughout <strong>the</strong> United States. <strong>Texas</strong> is in Region VI, with its regional office located in Fort Worth. Thisoffice oversees <strong>the</strong> four HUD field offices throughout <strong>Texas</strong>. Contact and jurisdiction information for <strong>the</strong> Region VI Office in Fort Worth and <strong>the</strong> field offices inDallas, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio can be found athttp://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=tx&topic=offices.Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)HUD sets <strong>the</strong> parameters for <strong>the</strong> administration of Public Housing and Section 8 and provides suggestionsregarding implementation of policies to local PHAs, which administer housing at <strong>the</strong> community level.There are 214 PHAs in <strong>Texas</strong>. Some locations have little to no wait for housing, while o<strong>the</strong>rs may havewaiting lists ranging from six months to more than two years.Public HousingPublic Housing is HUD-subsidized housing owned and operated by <strong>the</strong> local PHA. Apartment managers,facilities and maintenance staff, and onsite service providers are generally all employees of <strong>the</strong> local PHA.Rent is calculated based on family income and according to HUD <strong>guide</strong>lines (usually 30% of adjusted grossincome). Qualifying applicants are assigned to housing units based on availability and do not have achoice in <strong>the</strong>ir unit location. Public Housing residents can qualify for additional support services and selfsufficiencyprograms.Housing Choice Voucher Programs/ Section 8:The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) is HUD-subsidized rental assistanceadministered by <strong>the</strong> local PHA. Qualified applicants are awarded rental assistance vouchers that may beused to rent a private house, duplex or apartment. The amount of <strong>the</strong> voucher is based on local rentalrates and family size, among o<strong>the</strong>r factors. Residents pay a portion of <strong>the</strong> rental amount, calculatedbased on family income and according to HUD <strong>guide</strong>lines (usually 30% of adjusted gross income).Residents may choose where <strong>the</strong>y wish to live as long as <strong>the</strong> landlord agrees to accept <strong>the</strong> voucher and<strong>the</strong> housing meets <strong>the</strong> local PHA requirements; <strong>the</strong> total rent does not exceed <strong>the</strong> amount of <strong>the</strong>voucher, and <strong>the</strong> unit falls within <strong>the</strong> PHA service area. Housing Choice Voucher residents can qualify foradditional support services and self-sufficiency programs.Local Preferences:Every PHA is permitted to establish local preferences to give priority status to certain populations. If youqualify under a local preference, you may be moved up to <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> waiting list for ei<strong>the</strong>r PublicHousing or <strong>the</strong> Housing Choice Voucher Program if you are able to submit <strong>the</strong> required paperwork. Localpreferences might include older adults, people with disabilities, individuals or families displaced bynatural disasters, or victims of domestic violence. To find out what local preferences are available in yourarea, contact your PHA.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE45 | P a g e