The Georgia Department of Community Affairs recently received an overwhelming response to its call for housing subsidy applications. More than 177,000 individuals applied for the Housing Choice Voucher program, showing the pressing need for affordable housing in the state. However, only 13,000 of these applicants will be able to join the waiting list for assistance.
For the first time since 2021, the department opened applications for the program to residents in the 149 counties it serves. The online application process lasted four days and garnered a significant number of submissions. Now, the department is carefully reviewing the applications to ensure completeness and eligibility. Duplicate applications will also be removed from the pool.
To determine the 13,000 eligible applicants who will join the waiting list, the department will use a lottery system and prioritize them based on the order in which they will receive assistance. As vouchers become available, they will be awarded to the selected individuals. The Housing Choice Voucher program, formerly known as Section 8, provides financial support to low-income families for renting housing.
To be eligible for the program, a family’s income must be 50% or less than the median income in their chosen area. The voucher amount is determined based on factors such as the cost of rent in the area, family size, and income. Once a family receives a voucher, they will continue to receive funding as long as they comply with the program’s rules.
Initially, the state had planned to add 5,000 applications to the waiting list. However, due to the high number of applicants, the current waiting list has been significantly reduced to 728 individuals. In the previous budget year, 633 applicants were successfully placed on the list. The program had been closed since 2021 to manage the large number of people already waiting.
It’s important to note that the state-run program does not cover certain counties, including Bibb, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Glynn, Muscogee, Richmond, and Sumter. These counties have their own locally-run voucher programs.
The demand for housing subsidies in Georgia highlights the urgent need for affordable housing options in the state. With only limited slots available, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs faces the challenging task of selecting eligible applicants and providing assistance to those in need.
