The Section 8 program is available throughout the eight county jurisdiction: Cerro Gordo County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Mason City), Floyd County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Charles City), Franklin County, Hancock County, Kossuth County, Mitchell County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Riceville), Winnebago County, and Worth County. Assistance is provided in units on the private market.
Waiting List
The current wait for Section 8 assistance is between 6-9 months for applicants with the Residency Preference. The wait for applicants with no preferences is several years.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The housing choice voucher program (HCV) is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Unlike the Public Housing program, the assistance is tied to the family rather than the unit. If the family moves out of one unit into another one, or even to another community or state, the assistance could be transferred with the family.
The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects like public housing.
Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by housing authorities. The housing authority receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice if the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the housing authority.
A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by the housing authority on behalf of the participating family. The family pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
The North Iowa Regional Housing Authority (NIRHA) has contract authority with HUD to assist a maximum of 383 families throughout the eight county jurisdiction. However, due to continual budget reductions, NIRHA has not received sufficient funding to assist that number of families.
Basic HCV Eligibility Criteria
The head of household must be 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor, unless married and applying with a spouse who is 18 years or older.
Family’s total gross annual income cannot exceed HUD-established income limits for participation on the HCV Program. Income includes all “countable” income anticipated for the coming year.
Examples of countable income include, but are not limited to; wages, unemployment benefits, workmen’s compensation, Social Security, pensions, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), regular contributions from family or friends, child support payments and income from assets, i.e. interest and dividends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where geographically, can I used my Voucher?
I have applied for Public Housing. Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program too?
What is the difference between Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing?
Your voucher can be used across our eight county jurisdiction in northern Iowa. This includes Cerro Gordo County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Mason City), Floyd County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Charles City), Franklin County, Hancock County, Kossuth County, Mitchell County (excluding the incorporated city li
Your voucher can be used across our eight county jurisdiction in northern Iowa. This includes Cerro Gordo County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Mason City), Floyd County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Charles City), Franklin County, Hancock County, Kossuth County, Mitchell County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Riceville), and Worth County.
If you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible to transfer your rental assistance to another city or state. This option is known as portability.
What is the difference between Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing?
I have applied for Public Housing. Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program too?
What is the difference between Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing?
Housing Choice Voucher properties are owned and managed by private landlords who are willing to participate with the Voucher program. NIRHA subsidizes part of the resident's rent to the landlord making the housing affordable for the resident.
Public Housing properties are owned by NIRHA and the Authority manages and leases the properties.
Housing Choice Voucher properties are owned and managed by private landlords who are willing to participate with the Voucher program. NIRHA subsidizes part of the resident's rent to the landlord making the housing affordable for the resident.
Public Housing properties are owned by NIRHA and the Authority manages and leases the properties. Units owned and managed by NIRHA are leased to low-income people on an income-based rental, or at a flat rental rate, depending upon what the resident chooses.
I have applied for Public Housing. Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program too?
I have applied for Public Housing. Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program too?
I have applied for Public Housing. Can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program too?
Yes, you may. You will need to complete the appropriate section on the application requesting your program choices.
Simply mark the Housing Choice Voucher Program section as well. The Housing Choice Voucher program is also known as Section 8.
Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance?
I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history. Can I still be housed?
Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance?
No. At this time there are no provisions in our policies allowing someone with an emergency to move in before someone else. You must be determined eligible first and then you will be housed in accordance with the date and time of your application and residency preference.
I am homeless. Can you help me immediately?
I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history. Can I still be housed?
Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance?
Unfortunately, no. The only preference at this time is for people who live, work, or attend school within our jurisdiction. You are encouraged to apply and wait until you reach the top of the waiting list.
I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history. Can I still be housed?
I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history. Can I still be housed?
I owe money to a former landlord or have a criminal history. Can I still be housed?
Every applicant is subject to our screening process including, but not limited to a criminal background check and former tenancy histories. If you owe money to NIRHA the balance must be paid-in-full prior to applying for assistance. If you owe money to another housing agency, you must make acceptable payment arrangements with the other agency prior to applying for assistance with NIRHA.