CMHA is accepting online pre-applications for two federal rental assistance waiting lists. A limited application window is now open for Crawford County residents seeking help with rental housing costs.
The Crawford Metropolitan Housing Authority began accepting pre-applications for its Housing Choice Voucher and Mainstream Voucher program waiting lists at 12:00 AM on Friday, July 17. Applications will be accepted through 12:00 AM on Friday, July 24. In practical terms, applicants should complete the process no later than 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 23. No additional pre-applications will be accepted after the waiting lists close.
How To Apply
Pre-applications can be completed online through the Crawford Metropolitan Housing Authority website. Applicants should select the “Apply Here” option and have all required household and contact information available before beginning the application. Those with questions may contact the housing authority at 419-462-5521. Being added to a waiting list does not mean that an applicant will receive immediate rental assistance. Applicants will be considered as vouchers become available and will be required to complete the agency’s eligibility review before assistance can be issued.
Housing Choice Vouchers
The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8, helps qualifying very low-income households rent privately owned homes or apartments. Participants generally locate their own rental housing. If the property and household qualify, the housing authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, while the tenant pays the remaining amount.
A household’s share is usually based on approximately 30 percent of its adjusted monthly income, although the amount can be higher depending on the rent and the program’s local payment standards.
Assistance For People With Disabilities
The Mainstream Voucher program operates under many of the same rules as the Housing Choice Voucher program but is specifically intended to assist households that include a non-elderly person with disabilities. The assistance is designed to help eligible residents secure private rental housing and live independently within the community.
A Limited Opportunity
Housing voucher waiting lists may remain closed when the number of applicants exceeds the assistance available. CMHA provides a public notice when it determines that a waiting list can be reopened. Residents who believe they may qualify are encouraged to apply during the current window rather than waiting until the final hours, particularly if they may need time to gather household information or resolve an online access problem.