The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also referred to as Section 8, is a rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program allows income-qualified families, including working adults, older adults and individuals with disabilities, to afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the private market and the community of their choice.

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 housing that meets their needs such as location to schools, jobs, transportation, and shopping.

Program participants are required to pay a portion of their rent, usually 40% or less of their income. The remainder of the rental cost is supplemented by a Housing Assistance Payment made directly to the property owner or manager by CASI each month. The participant is free to choose any housing unit that meets the program requirements.

An individual or family issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent the unit under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence if rented. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by CASI. CASI provides all of its services without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status or veteran status.