Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), offers rental assistance to low-income families. Housing choices include apartments, mobile homes and houses. Renters on average pay 30-40% of their income.
The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Sanford Housing Authority administers 593 vouchers in Sanford, Springvale, Alfred, Shapleigh, North Berwick, Wells, Acton, Lebanon and Kennebunk.
Applicants who qualify for vouchers search for housing; landlords must comply with HCV requirements. Also, the property must be inspected and approved by SHA.
The housing authority will also conduct a criminal background check on applicants and adult members of the household. Depending on results, it may be determined that an applicant or household member may not be approved for a voucher.
The application process includes verification of income and assets. We also require photo identification of all adult household members, and proof of legal residence in the United States for all household members.