HOUSING CHOICE VOuCHER PROGRAM
Receive monthly vouchers to help you pay rent in for apartment, townhome, or single-family home of your choice.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), more commonly known as Section 8, is a federally funded program intended to help elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals and their families rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market by providing vouchers to help cover rent.
Participants in the HCV program have the freedom to find and choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. You can choose any housing unit as long as it meets the requirements of the program.
List of Landlords and Apartments
The HCV gives you the freedom to find your own home from a large list of eligible options for apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes that meet the program’s requirements.
FAQs
Do I qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Families and individuals served by the Housing Choice Voucher Program must have an income of no more than 80% of the area median income for their respective household size. To view the current income limits, visit this page. Other eligibility requirements can be found in Chapter 3 or our HCV Program Administrative Plan. To request a copy of our Administrative Plan, email info@mhacb.org or call 712.322.1491.
How do I apply?
You can apply online here or pick up an application from our office at 300 W Broadway STE 38 Council Bluffs, IA 51503. Our office hours are Tues-Friday, 8AM-4PM. If you aren’t able to pick up an application at our office, give us a call at 712.322.6931 and we’d be happy to mail you an application.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, there is an active waiting list the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
How long will I be on the waiting list?
If your application is approved, your placement on the waiting list will be determined by the time and date your application was received as complete and which of the preferences adopted by the agency you qualify for. Preference points are currently given to elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and persons living or working in the city of Council Bluffs. Submitting a complete and accurate application is the best way to make your time on the waiting list as short as possible.
What is the status of my application?
Our team processes all applications within 30 days of receiving them. Once processed, you’ll receive a letter stating if your application was approved, if your application was not approved, or if we need more information from you. Please update us as soon as possible if you have a change in mailing address or phone number. If you submitted your application more than 35 days ago and have not received a letter from us, please give us a call at 712.322.6931.
How much will my rent be?
Rents are determined by a family’s monthly adjusted income after qualifying deductions. To learn more about the rent calculation process, please see chapter 4 or our HCV Program Administrative Plan. To request a copy of our Administrative Plan, email info@mhacb.org or call 712.322.1491.
Is there a minimum rent?
Yes, our current minimum rent is $50 per month.
What unit sizes are available?
Your voucher will be issued for a unit size that is based on your family composition. To learn more about how this is determined, please see chapter 6 of our HCV Program Administrative Plan. To request a copy of our Administrative Plan, email info@mhacb.org or call 712.322.1491.