HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

One of MHA's goals is to increase the housing choices for the citizens of Meridian. In accomplishing this, we have added the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program to the many already established programs in our public housing entity.

The HCV program is designed to give potential low-income participants the opportunity to obtain rental housing outside areas of poverty or minority concentrated areas and the ability to make their own housing choices. MHA provides outreach and voucher counseling to all potential participants that are interested in obtaining a voucher.

To be eligible for the HCV program, MHA accepts applications only from families whose head or spouse is at least 21 years of age or emancipated minors under Mississippi State Law.

To be eligible for participation, an applicant must meet HUD's criteria, as well as any permissible additional criteria established by MHA.

The HUD eligibility criteria are:

• An applicant must be a "family"
• An applicant must be within the appropriate income limit
• An applicant must furnish social security numbers for all family members age six and older
• An applicant must furnish declaration of Citizenship or Eligible Immigrant Status and verification where required