1. What are Housing Choice Vouchers?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and person(s) with disabilities to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participant's are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes and apartments. A family that is issued a housing choice voucher is responsible for finding suitable housing 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 ADOH. A rental subsidy is paid to the owner directly by ADOH on behalf of the family. The family then pays approximately 30% of household income as the difference between the contract rent approved for the owner and the amount subsidized by the program.