Section 8

The Baker County Housing Assistance Program was established by the County Commission in 1974 to provide rental assistance to eligible families through the newly created Section 8 Program. The local program has changed with Section 8 and since 1 October 2001 we have administered our allotted vouchers under The Housing Choice Voucher Program exclusively. The purpose of this program, like all HUD programs is to
provide decent, safe and affordable housing for eligible families.

The major differences between Section 8 and Public Housing are that the eligible family rents from a private landowner anywhere in the county, and must arrange for and maintain their utilities. As with Public Housing eligibility for the program and order of selection is established through the application process. The date of application is the normal determinant in your placement on the waiting list, however your application must be complete in every regard to be placed on the list. Additionally BCHAP maintains a local preference together with the former Federal Preferences. They include the following:

1. Substandard Housing: Living in substandard housing, including homeless families;
2. Involuntary Displacement: Forced to leave their current housing through no fault of their own; and
3. Excessive Cost Burden: Paying more than 50 percent of monthly-adjusted income for shelter and utilities. (24 CFR 960.202).
In addition to the above, we also give preference to the elderly, the disabled single person and, victims of domestic violence.

Once verified a preference will promote an application over predated applications not having a preference.