Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) / Section 8 Program

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, previously known as Section 8, is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. FPHA receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer 115 HCVs in the community. The eligibility guidelines for the HCV Program are determined by FPHA.

Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family 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.

A family that is issued a 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 standards of health and safety, as determined by FPHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by FPHA 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. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by FPHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

For more information about the HCV Program, please click here to visit HUD. 

For questions about our HCV Program, please contact Laura Hicks, Housing Choice Voucher Coordinator and Systems Manager at 256.845.0424.