HONOLULU (KHON2) — The waiting list for the City and County of Honolulu’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is opening, giving eligible households the opportunity to receive some rental assistance.
The program, which is operated with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will begin accepting online pre-applications on July 14 at 7:45 a.m. until July 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Section 8 derives from the Housing Act of 1937, and provides low-income families, kūpuna, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing. Through the program, participants are able to move into any eligible housing unit such as homes, townhouses and apartments, with their rent covered in part by a subsidy paid directly to the landlord.
There are approximately 2,000 Local Public Housing Agencies operating around the country that oversee the voucher program with HUD funding.
While designed for families, Section 8 does also cover those looking to live alone, as the definition of “family” includes single individuals, as well as those displaced by natural disaster and more.
In Honolulu, the program is mostly looking to supplement those who live at 30% of the area median income, which would be $45,600 for a family of four.
Those making 50% of the area median income, which is $76,000 for a family of four, are also eligible to apply.
In addition to financial requirements, applicants must also provide their Social Security Numbers or certify they do not have one, must not have been convicted of some drug crimes and fall under the definition of a family.
“The program offers rental assistance to help eligible low income and vulnerable families expand their housing options,” said Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky. “We recognize the need for rental assistance is great, and that families are anxious to apply. With the online application system, applying is quick, easy and free.”
The submitted pre-applications will be randomized, with 3,000 pre-applicants being selected through a lottery to be placed on a waiting list. This eliminates a first-come, first-served advantage, and only one pre-application is allowed per household.
Applying does not guarantee eligibility or housing assistance.
To apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program, visit the online application. For more information on the City and County of Honolulu’s Section 8 eligibility and requirements, visit their website.