Housing Choice Voucher Program
A federally funded program formally known as Section 8
Formally known as the Section 8 program, the housing choice voucher program offers rental assistance to eligible low to moderate income families and individuals that want to reside in Chenango County to help them gain safe and adequate housing.
The program provides for monthly rent payments based on the family size and income. Land lords who provide rental units for the housing choice voucher program make sure the units meet HUD housing quality standards for occupants health and safety.
According to statistics gathered by the National Low Income Housing Coalition:
In Chenango County, 92.3% of renter households are listed as having income below the federal poverty level, or of very low (50% of area median income) or extremely low income (30% of area median income). The entire state of New York fares the same – with 91.4% in these categories.
Of all renter households in the county, 36% are considered cost burdened (paying 30% or more of annual income on rent) and 16% are designated as severely cost burdened (paying 50% or more of annual income on rent). Throughout the state, 25% to more than 75% of renters are considered cost burdened to severely cost burdened. Further exacerbating this condition, only half of these families have found or will find affordable rental units available.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program has a wait list (18-24 months) and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to start the process. More information on the program can be provided at 607-334-7114 ext. 4008.
