For the first time in years, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority will open the waiting list for its Housing Choice Voucher program. Additionally, the week-long application period will, for the first time ever, be completely digital.
In past years individuals applying to be included in the program could do so in person, but now applicants must apply online. CMHA officials say that those who do not have access to a personal computer may apply at one of 22 locations throughout Hamilton County. The full list of application sites can be found on CMHA’s website, at 1635 Western Avenue or can be provided by calling (513) 977-5757.
Hamilton County HCV Application Centers
“This is going to be a huge, county-wide effort for the week of April 4-8,” a representative with the Cincinnati office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) told UrbanCincy. “It’s been years since the list was open, so I can only imagine there will be great demand.”
The application period will run from 12:01am on Monday, April 4 until 11:59pm on Friday, April 8. Those applying will be placed into a lottery which will determine who will be included on CMHA’s waiting list.
The Housing Choice Voucher program was previously known as the housing agency’s Section 8 housing voucher program. It works by providing housing assistance to those in financial need. Low-income families apply for the program, and based on financial need, are given gap financial assistance to cover the costs of private rental units throughout Hamilton County.
Those using the program are required to pay 30 percent of their income toward the rent, and the remainder will be covered through the gap financing. The properties which participate in the HCV program, as a result, are owned and managed by private property owners.
