FY 2008 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER INCOME LIMITS

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program, subsidy payments are made by the Housing Authority to property owners on behalf of the family.  Assistance is provided to very low-income families including senior citizens, disabled, handicapped, and other individuals.  The program uses a Payment Standard to determine the maximum amount of assistance that will be paid on behalf of the family.  The family's portion will be a minimum of 30% of their adjusted gross monthly income up to a maximum of 40% if they choose.

The owner is required to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to tenants at a reasonable rent.  Inspections are performed initially and at least once annually thereafter to insure that tenants and owners comply with Housing Quality Standards, and other lease and contract provisions.

Tenant Based Assistance Program (TBA)

The Tenant Based Assistance Program is a partnership between the Housing Authority and participating cities within San Bernardino County.  The program is voucher based, funded by the cities, and administered by the Housing Authority.  Applications are distributed at any one of three HCV offices and qualified nonprofit groups and service providers.

The term of the program is two years and tenants must reside within participating cities only.

Family Unification Program

The purpose of the Family Unification Program is to promote family unification by providing housing assistance to families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the separation, or imminent separation of children from their families.

The Housing Authority integrates the Housing Choice Voucher program with counseling and services provided by the County of San Bernardino Department of Children's Services that will allow children to make an early return or remain in the home.

Shelter Plus Care Program

The Shelter Plus Care Program was designed to contribute to the countywide public/private partnership system to strengthen services available to families and individuals.  

Families are referred to the Housing Authority by the Department of Behavioral Health and must comply with supportive service providers.  Linking affordable housing to resources and services ranging from job training, health care, day care, and education allows the tenants an opportunity to attain economic and social independence without undue hardship and concern for the welfare of their families.

Under Shelter Plus Care I, assistance is limited to families requiring 1 or 2 bedroom units.  Shelter Plus Care II is for all bedroom sizes but tenants must participate in the Family Self Sufficiency Program.  Both programs, I and II, have a five year limitation on assistance.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH)

The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH) is for homeless veterans with severe psychiatric or substance abuse disorders.  The Housing Authority and Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) have partnered to provide rental vouchers and supportive services to eligible veterans.

The veteran must demonstrate to the VAMC that he/she is homeless (has been living outdoors, in a shelter, in an automobile, etc.) before being evaluated for this program.  The VAMC has developed excellent relations with a variety of agencies that provide assistance to the homeless.  Once a family is stabilized, the Private Industry Council assists with vocational needs.  The VAMC is considered a national leader in the integration of community services.

MAINSTREAM PROGRAM

The Mainstream Program is designed to provide assisted housing to persons with disabilities to enable them to rent suitable and accessible housing in the private market.  Mainstream applicants are offered a Housing Choice Voucher as allocations become available.  Participants must be participating in programs of rehabilitation and/or support services within the community that are directly related to their disability.

Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA)

The Housing Authority has partnered with Foothill AIDS Project to offer rental assistance and supportive services to individuals with AIDS.  Participants are given housing choice vouchers and ongoing assistance with medical and emotional needs.