Kaufman County, TX – March 22, 2025 — Residents of Kaufman County, including those in the city of Forney, have access to affordable housing through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This federal initiative assists low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in securing safe and decent housing within the private rental market.Eligibility CriteriaTo qualify for the HCV program, applicants must meet specific requirements:Income Limits: Generally, a household’s income must not exceed 50% of the median income for the area. Priority is often given to families with incomes below 30% of the median. For precise income limits based on family size and local median income, applicants should consult the local Public Housing Agency (PHA).Citizenship Status: The program is available to U.S. citizens and certain categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status.Family Composition: Eligibility extends to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Specific definitions of “family” may vary by PHA.Program OptionsSeveral variations of the HCV program cater to diverse housing needs:Tenant-Based Vouchers: These allow participants to choose any housing that meets program requirements. The voucher is tied to the tenant, permitting them to move without losing assistance.Project-Based Vouchers: Attached to specific housing units, these vouchers require tenants to reside in particular developments to receive assistance.Homeownership Vouchers: Some PHAs offer vouchers that assist first-time homebuyers with their monthly mortgage expenses.Coverage in ForneyForney residents seeking housing assistance can benefit from the HCV program. While Forney does not have its own housing authority, residents can apply through neighboring agencies:Terrell Housing Authority: Manages 458 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and serves areas including Forney. Currently they are operating off of a wait list. For more information, please visit the Terrell Housing Authority website: https://www.terrellhousing.org/ or call 972-563-2651.Dallas Housing Authority (DHA): Assists approximately 16,000 households through the HCV program and accepts applications via an open lottery system. The lottery opens periodically, and information regarding open enrollment can be found at the Dallas Housing Authority Website : https://www.dhantx.com/.Application ProcessInterested individuals can apply for the HCV program through the respective housing authority’s application portal. Required documentation includes proof of income, identification, and social security cards. It’s advisable to contact the housing authority directly to confirm application procedures and current availability.Landlord ParticipationLandlords in Kaufman County must be willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. Information on how to participate in the program can be found on the HUD website or by contacting the housing authorities directly.Fair Housing RightsThe Section 8 program adheres to fair housing rights, ensuring equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.For more detailed information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, please visit the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/aboutThis expansion of the Section 8 program in Kaufman County aims to provide more residents with access to affordable housing, enhancing community stability and individual well-being.HOA's May Not Ban VouchersTexas law, specifically Section 202.006 of the Texas Property Code, prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) from adopting or enforcing restrictions that prevent property owners from leasing their homes to individuals with Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other government-funded rental assistance.This legislation ensures that landlords can participate in programs designed to provide affordable housing without facing discriminatory restrictions from their HOAs. By preventing such bans, Texas law aims to promote fair housing practices and expand housing opportunities for low-income families and individuals with disabilities, aligning with broader state and federal efforts to combat housing discrimination.
Kaufman County, TX – March 22, 2025 — Residents of Kaufman County, including those in the city of Forney, have access to affordable housing through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This federal initiative assists low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in securing safe and decent housing within the private rental market.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the HCV program, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Income Limits: Generally, a household’s income must not exceed 50% of the median income for the area. Priority is often given to families with incomes below 30% of the median. For precise income limits based on family size and local median income, applicants should consult the local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
- Citizenship Status: The program is available to U.S. citizens and certain categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status.
- Family Composition: Eligibility extends to families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Specific definitions of “family” may vary by PHA.
Program Options
Several variations of the HCV program cater to diverse housing needs:
- Tenant-Based Vouchers: These allow participants to choose any housing that meets program requirements. The voucher is tied to the tenant, permitting them to move without losing assistance.
- Project-Based Vouchers: Attached to specific housing units, these vouchers require tenants to reside in particular developments to receive assistance.
- Homeownership Vouchers: Some PHAs offer vouchers that assist first-time homebuyers with their monthly mortgage expenses.
Coverage in Forney
Forney residents seeking housing assistance can benefit from the HCV program. While Forney does not have its own housing authority, residents can apply through neighboring agencies:
- Terrell Housing Authority: Manages 458 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and serves areas including Forney. Currently they are operating off of a wait list. For more information, please visit the Terrell Housing Authority website: https://www.terrellhousing.org/ or call 972-563-2651.
- Dallas Housing Authority (DHA): Assists approximately 16,000 households through the HCV program and accepts applications via an open lottery system. The lottery opens periodically, and information regarding open enrollment can be found at the Dallas Housing Authority Website : https://www.dhantx.com/.
Application Process
Interested individuals can apply for the HCV program through the respective housing authority’s application portal. Required documentation includes proof of income, identification, and social security cards. It’s advisable to contact the housing authority directly to confirm application procedures and current availability.
Landlord Participation
Landlords in Kaufman County must be willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. Information on how to participate in the program can be found on the HUD website or by contacting the housing authorities directly.
Fair Housing Rights
The Section 8 program adheres to fair housing rights, ensuring equal access to housing regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
For more detailed information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, please visit the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/about
This expansion of the Section 8 program in Kaufman County aims to provide more residents with access to affordable housing, enhancing community stability and individual well-being.
HOA's May Not Ban Vouchers
Texas law, specifically Section 202.006 of the Texas Property Code, prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) from adopting or enforcing restrictions that prevent property owners from leasing their homes to individuals with Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or other government-funded rental assistance.