Housing Choice Voucher Assistance (HCV) and Project Based Voucher Assistance (PBV)

What is the Housing Choice / Project Based Voucher Program, otherwise known as "Section 8"?

"Section 8" is a common name for the Housing-Choice and Project-Based Voucher Programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1437f) as repeatedly amended, authorizes the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of approximately 3.1 million low-income households in the United States. The largest part of the section is the Housing Choice Voucher program which pays a large portion of the rents and utilities of about 2.1 million households. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development manages the Section 8 programs.

 The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides "tenant-based" rental assistance, so a tenant can move from one unit of at least minimum housing quality to another.

 Section 8 also authorizes a variety of "project-based" rental assistance programs, under which the owner reserves some or all of the units in a building for low-income tenants, in return for a federal government guarantee to make up the difference between the tenant's contribution and the rent in the owner's contract with the government. A tenant who leaves a subsidized project will lose access to the project-based subsidy.

How can I apply for "Section 8" Assistance?

Housing Choice Vouchers allow low-income families to choose and lease safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing. Because the demand is often overwhelming, you may only apply when a waitlist is open. You do not need to reside or work in the City that has a waitlist opening in order to apply.

Currently have a Housing Choice Voucher in Alameda and are moving? Click below for more information on portability.

Additional Client Information

• We do not distribute or accept applications for other housing authorities. If you fill out an application for services through a housing agency outside of the City of Alameda, you must turn that document in to that agency.
• We do not make copies for you. If you are required to turn in documents to your case manager, you are responsible for making your own copies.
• We cannot see you without an appointment. Every employee in our agency has a phone number and e-mail address. You must contact them to arrange an appointment. Click here to find their contact information.