Columbia Housing Authority

About This Building

Affordable Housing Options Offered by the Columbia Housing Authority Home Ownership Opportunities The Columbia Housing Authority provides valuable information and resources for individuals interested in home ownership. They offer a range of affordable homes for sale in the South Carolina area. By catering to the housing needs of low to moderate-income residents, they strive to ensure that everyone has access to safe and comfortable housing. Section 8 Vouchers and Conventional Housing Programs In addition to assisting with home ownership, the Columbia Housing Authority offers Section 8 vouchers and conventional housing programs. These programs are designed to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in affording decent and sanitary housing options in the private market. Participants have the freedom to select any suitable housing, including apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes. Resident and Family Self-Sufficiency Programs Supporting the overall well-being of its residents, the Columbia Housing Authority also provides resident programs and family self-sufficiency programs. These initiatives aim to empower individuals and families by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to become self-reliant. By offering services such as job training, financial literacy education, and access to community resources, they enable residents to thrive and enhance their quality of life. A Trusted Provider Since 1934 For over eight decades, the Columbia Housing Authority has been a trusted provider of affordable housing in the City of Columbia and Richland County in South Carolina. They have a long-standing commitment to meeting the housing needs of their community's low to moderate-income residents. Throughout the years, they have worked diligently to ensure that individuals and families have access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing options. Public Housing: Providing Safe Rental Housing The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) responsible for managing public housing units. Public housing was established to offer safe and decent rental housing to low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. These housing units come in various sizes and types, ranging from single-family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. Around 1.2 million households currently reside in public housing units managed by approximately 3,300 HAs nationwide. Eligibility and References To determine eligibility for public housing, an HA considers factors such as annual gross income, age, disability status, and family composition. U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is also taken into account. The HA conducts reference checks to confirm that applicants will be responsible and respectful tenants who will not negatively impact other residents or the housing environment. Housing Choice Vouchers: Empowering Families to Choose The housing choice voucher program is a significant initiative by the federal government to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in accessing safe and decent housing in the private market. Through this program, participants have the freedom to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments that meet program requirements. Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs) using federal funds from HUD. Selecting a Suitable Housing Unit Families issued a housing voucher are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice, as long as the owner is willing to participate in the program. These units can include the family's current residence if it meets health and safety standards established by the PHA. The PHA directly pays a housing subsidy to the landlord on behalf of the participating family, and the family covers the difference between the actual rent and the subsidized amount. In some cases, with PHA authorization, families can even utilize their voucher to purchase a modest home. Determining Eligibility and Income Limits Eligibility for housing vouchers is determined by the PHA based on total annual gross income and family size. Only U.S. citizens and specific categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status are eligible. Typically, a family's income should not exceed 50% of the median income for their county or metropolitan area. However, a PHA must allocate 75% of its vouchers to applicants whose incomes fall below 30% of the area median income. HUD publishes median income levels for different locations, and your local PHA can provide you with the specific income limits applicable to your area and family size.