FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about applying for housing.
How do I apply for Housing Choice Voucher program?
The HCV program is closed to new applicants. DHA SUSPENDED ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS SECTION 8/HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM ON JUNE 1, 2004.
DHA Closes Applications for Section 8 Vouchers
Agency Makes Adjustments for Less Funding
DALLAS (May 14, 2004) - The Dallas Housing Authority will suspend taking applications for its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program beginning June 1, 2004.
On April 22, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development informed housing agencies that it would renew vouchers based on funding levels and vouchers in use as of August 2003-with an
adjustment for inflation.
"We are aware of the changes mandated by Congress and we will continue to manage this program in a prudent manner," said Ann Lott, DHA president and CEO. "Our plan is to scale back the program
through normal attrition. We have until the end of the year to meet the new budgetary levels set by Congress."
Section 8, the federal government's primary housing program for poor Americans, allows participants to utilize vouchers to rent apartments and houses from private landlords. Individuals may pay up to
40 percent of their income toward housing costs.
The Dallas Housing Authority provides the federally funded vouchers to more than 16,000 poor, elderly and disabled people. Under the new guidelines, that number will have to be trimmed approximately
three percent.
Families from outside the area can use vouchers funded by other housing agencies to rent apartments and houses in the Dallas area. However, some of these agencies have already advised DHA they will
curtail funding and close their programs as well. In addition to normal attrition, some DHA clients are expected to lose their vouchers for violating the rules governing the program.
DHA will continue to accept applications for the public housing program every Monday at 3131 Fish Trap Road. The elderly, handicapped and disabled may also apply on Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon.
The waiting time is approximately two years-one of the shortest waits in the nation for a large housing authority.
As one of the area's largest providers of affordable housing, DHA will continue to look at options to fulfill its mission of providing housing and housing assistance for low-to-moderate income
families. Additionally, DHA will conservatively use the funds available to serve those families who are in need of housing, Lott said.
