As of Friday, October 3, 2008, we've sent application materials to the first 600 households on our current Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) waiting list - that is, to households holding Nos. 1 through 600. Every week, usually by noon on Friday, we update information about the waiting list on this website, in our Porchlight Building lobby, and on our Section 8 waiting list telephone hotline,
(206) 239-1674.

The three Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs:

• The Tenant-based program
• The Project-based program
• The Moderate Rehabilitation program

SHA administers three Housing Choice Voucher programs: The Tenant-based program, the Project-based program, and the Moderate Rehabilitation program.

The Tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher program

Under the Tenant-based program, SHA issues a voucher for a monthly rental subsidy that allows participants to rent privately owned units. A voucher-holder may rent a unit from any owner willing to participate in the program. (This distinguishes the program from the Low Income Public Housing program, in which tenants are assigned to units owned by SHA.)

Please note: Our Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) waiting list is closed. We do not anticipate reopening this waiting list until spring of 2010 at the earliest.

The Project-based program

The Project-based program subsidizes units in both Seattle Housing Authority-owned and privately owned properties throughout Seattle. Tenants residing in Project-based units pay 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities; the balance of their housing costs are paid by the Project-based program. Tenants in Project-based units are assisted as long as they live in the unit and continue to qualify for the program.

The Moderate Rehabilitation Section 8 program

Under the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program, often called "Mod Rehab," HUD provides rent subsidy payments to private property owners for rental units rehabilitated. These subsidies provide housing assistance for low-income persons at 30 percent of median income. SHA administers this program, but the buildings are managed and leased out by the properties' owners. Some Moderate Rehabilitation communities serve populations with special needs.