PROGRAMS

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program

Authorized by Congress under the FY12 HUD appropriations act, the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) allows public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of other HUD-Assisted properties to convert units from their original sources of HUD financing to project-based Section 8 contracts. The primary benefit of RAD is that properties that convert under this process are no longer restricted from securing private sources of capital financing, and the owners are therefore able to address deferred maintenance issues that have caused Public Housing and other HUD rental stock to deteriorate nationwide.

Under the First Component of RAD, properties that are currently funded under Public Housing convert their assistance to long-term, project-based Section 8 contracts. Under the Second Component of RAD, the owners of projects funded under HUD’s legacy programs (Rental Supplement, Rental Assistance Payment, Moderate Rehabilitation, and Moderate Rehabilitation SRO) can convert the unit subsidy funding to long-term, project based Section 8 contracts.

By drawing on an established industry of lenders, owners, and stakeholders, RAD allows PHAs and owners of HU-assisted housing to preserve and improve affordable housing units that could be subject to vouchers and demolition. RAD provides greater funding certainty for potential lenders, and increased operational flexibility for PHAs and owners to server their communities. RAD is a central part of the Department’s rental housing preservation strategy, which is designed to:

  • Safeguard long-term rental housing assistance for both current tenants and future generations; and
  • Improve and Modernize HUD-assisted multifamily properties

HAs use income limits developed by HUD. HUD sets the lower income limits at 80% and very low income limits at 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area so you may be eligible at one HA but not at another. The HA serving your community can provide you with the income levels for your area and family size, or you can also find the income limits here on the internet.

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Housing Choice Voucher Program

The housing choice voucher program 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. 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.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing 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 the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA 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 the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

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Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

The Port Arthur Housing Authority is currently administering Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (V.A.S.H.) Vouchers.

The HUD – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program provides Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics. To apply for VASH program you must be approved and referred to the housing authority from your case Manager at your local VA.

If you are a veteran and may be interested in applying, please contact Ms. Williams at 409-984-2635.

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Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)

The Port Arthur Housing Authority is currently administering Foster Youth to Independence (F.Y.I) Vouchers.

Foster Youth to Independence allows for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to request
housing choice vouchers (HCVs) to serve youth under the age of 25 with a history of child welfare involvement for up to 36 months, with Foster Youth to Independence (FYI
vouchers).

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