Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Coupons.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the rules and regulations for these programs. There is a waiting list because the need for rental assistance is great. When a family is determined to be eligible for the program and funding is available, Section 8 issues the family a Voucher at a tenant briefing. The family decides where to live. The family must locate a housing unit that meets the programs rules. That can be where they live right now or a totally different unit. The Housing Authority can help in some ways, but the primary responsibility for finding a suitable unit to rent is the family’s. At the time a family initially receives tenant-based assistance for occupancy of a dwelling unit, the family share is a percentage of their adjusted monthly income. Contract rents are based on HUD formulations.
Important Notice: The WCHA is closing its regular (non-preference) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program waiting list effective midnight January 31, 2023. During this time, all other waiting lists will remain open. Active applicants on the regular HCV waiting list as of January 31, 2023, will continue to be processed accordingly. When the waiting list is reopened the WCHA will give public notice by posting a notice on this website and by publishing the relevant information in various media outlets.
Project-Based Rental Assistance Programs
Section 8 Project-Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation Units.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the rules and regulations for these programs. There is a waiting list because the need for rental assistance is great. As vacancies occur at specific sites, a family is pulled from that waiting list and determined eligible. The family must move into a specific unit in order to receive rental assistance. The owner must approve the family as a suitable tenant. At the time a family initially receives project-based assistance for occupancy of a dwelling unit, the family share is a percentage of their adjusted monthly-income. See the enclosed list of project-based sites. Interested families may contact that site and set up an appointment to complete an applications packet and go through the screening process.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program
The Housing Authority also manages low-income housing tax credit units. Applicants must be income eligible and able to pay the full monthly rent. Tax credit units also accept Section 8 Vouchers and HOME Coupons.
Eligibility Qualifications
Adults (age 18 or older) must pass a criminal history background screening. Applicants may be a single person or a group of persons who intend to share residency whose income and resources are available to meet the family’s needs. Two or more elderly persons or persons with disabilities living together, or one or more elderly persons or persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides, is a family.
Local Preferences
Local preferences allow priority status to applicants who qualify and must submit documentation from social service agencies verifying their preference:
Homeless or will be homeless within six months and living in a supervised public or a resident at an institution or in a group home preparing the individual to become self-sufficient (letters from shelter or agency).
Participants in transitional housing programs (letter from agency).
Natural disaster (fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, etc.) causing the unit to be uninhabitable within past six months (letter from Red Cross or Salvation Army).
Code enforcement by Federal, State or local government action, public improvement or development (letter from local government agency).
Participants/graduates in educational and training programs designed to prepare the individual for the job market (documents from school or instructor).
Victim of domestic violence within past six months (letter from domestic abuse shelter or copy of PFA).
Veteran’s Preference (Honorable Discharge): Spouses and children of veterans.
Income Limits
Each year 75% of new Section 8 admissions must fall below the 30% income guideline.
Each year 100% of tax credit admissions must fall below either 50% or 60% of the income guidelines depending on the sites.
How to Apply for Section 8 Assistance
Apply in person at our Greensburg Section 8 office or Click Here for the online application.
Request an application by mail simply by calling 724-832-7258, ext. 3054.
Request an application by email at JanetG@wchaonline.com.
IMMEDIATE RENTAL ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. There is approximately an 8-year Wait.
When your name nears the top of the waiting list, we will contact you by first class mail and you will receive a letter after you pass the criminal background, you will be scheduled for an income eligibility interview and a briefing session.
It is your responsibility to keep your application up-do-date, when changes occur, such as moving to a new address. You can stop in and pick up an application update to complete or call and leave your name and address and we will drop one in the mail.
The Housing Authority may send out application updates every 12- to 24-months. If you do not respond to our inquiry or the Post Office returns your letter, your application may be permanently withdrawn.
Wait at least three weeks for your application to be processed.
To check your number on the waiting list via the internet, go to www.wchaonline.com. Click on the HOME tab. Left side click on WAITING LIST bar. Enter your 9-digit SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Left Click on SUBMIT FORM. This number is approximate and subject to change.
There is also a computer in the Greensburg Section 8 waiting room that can be used to check your number on the waiting list.
Westmoreland County Housing Authority, Section 8 Department
167 South Greengate Road, Greensburg, PA 15601-6392
724-832-7258; Fax 724-832-7488.
See below for a welcome video regarding “The Housing Choice Voucher Program”.
