COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
OF NW MT
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The housing choice voucher program is the Federal Governments major program to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford descent, 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, manufactured homes, townhouses 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 (PHAs) or through the State. The PHAs and State receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
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. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standard of health and safety, as determined by the PHA or State.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA or State on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Who is eligible?
Any eligible family or individual living in Montana whose income is 30% less than the sate median income.
How do you obtain a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher?
You must apply for a voucher, please click here. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana serves Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties in Montana. Demand for the voucher exceeds the available supply of funds. There can be up to a three-year waiting list in our area. For an Information Change Form click here.
How much rent does the voucher cover?
The PHA or State pays the owner the difference between 30% of the family income and the gross rent for the unit. For example: If a family makes $1200 a month and the rent is $900; then 30% of $1200 is $360 and the difference between $900 and $360 is $540. The voucher will be for $540, and the family will pay $360.
This program involves several processing procedures both before and after being placed on a waiting list. To determine your eligibility and apply on-line interested families are encouraged to visit this site.
