Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps low-income households pay the rent on market-rate rental units that are decent, safe and sanitary. A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the HRA on behalf of the household. The household then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. The HRA has 950 HCV vouchers.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, you must fall within Minnesota’s income limits. The HRA will also do a criminal background check screening for drug, violent and/or sexual criminal activity.

 

 


Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)

Description:

The HUD-VASH program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers and community-based outreach clinics. The HRA has 75 HUD-VASH vouchers.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must be eligible for VA health care services,
  • Require and engage in case management services to obtain and sustain housing, and
  • Are homeless. Priority is given to those veterans who meet the definition of chronically homeless and with high vulnerability. 

To apply: 

The HRA obtains referrals for this program from the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System. For more information, or to apply for this program, contact Jamie Schmitz at 320-248-1459.


Mainstream Voucher Program

Description:

The Mainstream Voucher Program provides vouchers for low-income households that includes a non-elderly adult with disabilities. 

Eligibility requirements:

  • Household must have at least one member between the ages of 18-61 who is disabled.
  • To qualify for a Mainstream voucher, you must be on the waiting list for HCV and fall within Minnesota’s income limits. (link to website). The HRA will also do a criminal background check screening for drug, violent and/or sexual criminal activity.

To apply: 

The waiting list is currently closed and no applications are being accepted.


Foster Youth Initiative Vouchers

Description:

The FYI Voucher program targets housing assistance to young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Between the ages of 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;
  • Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act at age 16 or older; and
  • Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless.
  • Eligibility is not limited to single persons. For example, pregnant and/or parenting youth are eligible to receive assistance assuming they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.

To apply:

The HRA obtains referrals for this program from Benton County, Sherburne County, and Stearns County Public Child Welfare Agencies.

 


Project Based Voucher Program (PBV)

Description:

The PBV program provides qualified households with monthly rental assistance. The HRA administers PBV contracts at three rental properties: Westwood Village Apartments One and Swisshelm Village Apartments One and Two.

To apply: 

The waiting list is currently closed and no applications are being accepted.


Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

Description:

The HRA was awarded 49 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) by HUD through the American Rescue Plan of 2021. As of September 30, 2023 the HRA cannot reissue EHV vouchers that have turned over to new referalls. This does not impact exisiting families and their continued assistance. 

Eligible populations are limited to individuals or families that meet one of the following:

  • Currently experiencing homelessness
  • At risk of homelessness
  • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
  • Recently homeless and providing rental assistance will prevent the family's homelessness or having a high risk of housing instability

The HRA does not maintain a waiting list for EHV. The HRA accepts referrals from the Central MN Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry, and current and former residents of Anna Marie's Alliance, Lutheran Social Services Saving Grace, and Terebinth Refuge.

If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, please contact one of the agencies listed below:

Central MN Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry
866-560-7464
Anna Marie’s Alliance (servicing current and former residents):
PO Box 367
St. Cloud, MN  56302
320-251-7203
Crisis Line 320-253-6900
Lutheran Social Services Saving Grace (servicing current and former residents):
22 Wilson Ave. NE
St. Cloud, MN  56304
320-251-7700
866-824-3770
Terebinth Refuge (servicing current and former residents):
110 2nd St. S.
Waite Park, MN  56387
320-828-7721

Stability Vouchers (SV)

Description:

Effective October 1, 2023 the HRA was awarded 7 SVs. The HRA has a partnership with the Central Minnesota CoC for the administration of SVs. 

Eligible individuals or families must meet one of the following criteria in addition to the eligibility criteria of the standard HCV Program:

a. Individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness; 

b. Individuals and families at risk of homelessness;

c. Individuals and families fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking and

d. Veterans and families that include a veteran family that meet one of the preceding criteria (a-c). 

 

Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)

Description:

The FSS Program is an innovative, voluntary program that helps Section 8 participants and Public Housing residents achieve economic independence over a five-year period. Participants work with a case manager to assess their strengths, identify barriers, set goals and achieve them. Applications are available on our website. Click on "Voucher Programs" then "Current Participants" for a FSS application form. 

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