What is Section 3?

Section 3 is a means by which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, helps foster local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. Section 3 is the legal basis for providing jobs for residents in areas receiving certain types of HUD financial assistance.

If you live in government-assisted housing OR if your household income falls below HUD's household income guidelines, you may qualify as a Section 3 Resident.

Section 3 helps low-income residents gain the skills and jobs needed to become self-sufficient. The program also provides opportunities for qualified, low-income business owners to receive preference in bidding on HUD-funded contracts.

Programs Covered

Created by the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Section 3 applies to public and Indian housing programs, housing and community development programs, and other Federal and HUD assistance.

Under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, wherever HUD financial assistance is expended for housing or community development, to the greatest extent feasible, economic opportunities will be given to Section 3 residents in that area.

Section 3 Policy

Congress established the Section 3 policy to guarantee that the employment and other economic opportunities created by Federal financial assistance for housing and community development programs should, if possible, be directed toward low- and very-low income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing.

Who are Section 3 residents?

• Public housing residents
• Low and very-low income persons who live in the metropolitan area or non-metropolitan county where a HUD-assisted project for housing or community development is located.

Determining Income Levels

• Low income is defined as 80% or below the median income of that area
• Very low income is defined as 50% or below the median income of that area.
• For current local median income information, please click here.

We take pride in our diverse workforce, and are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity.  In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, no employee or qualified person applying for employment will be discriminated against in our employment programs and services because of a disability.  Please give us at least 24 hours advanced notice (when possible) if you require any disability accommodation.