The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a tenant based Rental Assistance Program that is funded and regulated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Presently, Morristown Housing Authority can assist very low-income families in Hamblen County, Cocke County, Jefferson County, Greene County and Bean Station.
The goal of the Section 8 Program is to subsidize the rent for a family at a unit that is decent, safe, and sanitary. This is accomplished by contracting units from property owners in the private rental market. Each unit must meet housing quality standards and the rent must be reasonable as compared to other similar unassisted units in the area.
Any person or family may apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Eligibility is mainly based on income, family composition, and other regulatory and policy requirements. Payment Standards for the Voucher Program are based on the number of people in the household. Typically, a family contributes 30% of their income toward the rent. The maximum subsidy that MHA can pay is based on the lesser of the Payment Standard and the Gross Rent of the unit. A family can choose a unit that exceeds the Payment Standard so long as the family’s portion does not exceed 40% of their income. Approval of the unit and the rent amount by MHA is required.
A participant in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program has the ability to choose the area in which their family will reside and this freedom of choice may help a family gain self-sufficiency. Morristown Housing Authority, very low-income families, property owners, and the local community and economy benefit from the opportunities that arise from participation in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Click here to obtain an Application.
Applications for the Section 8 Program are taken every Monday through Thursday
between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at 600 Sulphur Springs Road
Morristown, TN 37815.
Portability is the ability to transfer a Voucher from or to another Housing Agency.
There are certain requirements that must be met in order to utilize portability.
Portability inquiries may be directed to Sherrie Samples at
586-5115, extension 27.