The Harrisburg Housing Authority leasing office
For those with housing needs, the Harrisburg Housing Authority (HHA) will soon reopen its financial assistance program.
The authority announced that on March 29 and 30, it will accept new applicants to the waiting list for its housing choice voucher, or Section 8, program for the first time in about two years.
According to Oche Bridgeford, director of communications and compliance for HHA, it has taken that long to work through the entire previous waiting list, as the agency typically receives thousands of applicants during each application period.
It’s hard to know how many people will apply this time around, but Bridgeford expects the need will meet or exceed last year’s demand, especially considering the effects of COVID and a hot housing market.
“The hunger for housing is as intense as it’s ever been,” he said.
According to Bridgeford, the authority will select 1,500 applicants to enter the waiting list. From there, vouchers will be awarded to applicants using a lottery system. Those who apply quickly and are eligible may receive a voucher within several weeks, but others may wait up to two years.
“We are working to make sure the process is smooth and to make sure as many people that are in need can apply,” Bridgeford said.
The authority has 1,500 vouchers in total, including those that are already assigned. Currently, the authority has 1,240 residents housed with vouchers.
With a voucher, a tenant is responsible to pay up to 30% of their income for rent and utilities.
Once a resident receives a voucher, they have 60 days to find housing before it expires. They may request a 30-day extension. However, if housing isn’t found, their voucher will be withdrawn.
While the authority helps to point residents in the right direction when it comes to finding housing, Bridgeford described a rental market lacking in affordable housing options and landlords willing to accept vouchers.
“There is a limited amount of affordable housing, especially for the Section 8 program,” he said. “Someone could get a voucher and not be able to find housing.”
The authority recently launched a program to address this issue, offering sign-on and retention bonuses for landlords who decide to accept vouchers.
The program is still too new for the authority to tell if it’s getting more landlords on board, but Bridgeford is hopeful.
“One of our biggest issues is finding quality properties and partners,” he said. “We are always trying to increase that.”
HHA will accept applications for its Housing Choice Voucher program beginning on Wednesday at 8 a.m. and closing on Thursday at 3 p.m. Applications must be submitted via the authority’s website. Paper applications will not be accepted.
For those without internet access, the following nonprofit partners will provide access to computers and assistance:
- Tri County Community Action, 1514 Derry St., Harrisburg, bilingual assistance available, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
- Latino Hispanic American Community Center (LHACC), 1319 Derry St., Harrisburg, bilingual assistance available, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
- YWCA of Greater of Harrisburg, 1101 Market St., Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
The Harrisburg Housing Authority’s leasing office is located at 916 S. 14th St., Harrisburg. For more information on the Housing Choice Voucher Program, visit their website.
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