SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Section 8 is a rental subsidy program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development designed to help low income single persons and families pay their rent, thus allowing them to live in safe, sanitary and healthy conditions. Qualified tenants are required to pay at least 30% of their income towards their rent and utilities and HUD will pick up the rest in the form of a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) that is mailed directly to the landlord around the first of each month. The landlord and tenant must enter into a lease and a Housing Assistance Payments contract. There are strict guidelines designed to protect the tenant, landlord, and the rental unit. The prospective tenant is encouraged to do as much as possible to find their own housing and work out the arrangements with the landlord.

Who is eligible?

• For assistance in determining income eligibility you may call our office.
• Applications will be processed in a “first come, first serve” basis in order of date and time of completed application.
• Any type of rental property from single family dwellings to apartment houses is eligible, including manufactured homes.

FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY (FSS)

FSS is a rental subsidy program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, designed to help low income single persons and families pay their rent, thus allowing them to live in safe, sanitary and healthy conditions. Qualified tenants are required to pay at least 30% of their income towards their rent and utilities, and HUD will pick up the rent in the form of a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) that is mailed directly to the landlord around the first of each month. The landlord and tenant must enter into a lease and a Housing Assistance Payment contract. Applicants also set up goals with a housing counselor and sign a contract to become financially independent.

ACCESS TO HOME

This program is designed to permit persons with disabilities to maintain residence or achieve residence either in their own homes or in rental units where other assistance is not available. Repairs will be limited to accessibility issues only.

Who May Qualify?

• Residents of Delaware County
• Households earning at or below 80% of median income
• Those currently in nursing or adult homes prevented from independent living due to a lack of accessibility
• Those leaving a hospital that would be unable to return home without accessibility adaptations
• Those with a disability or medical reason requiring adaptations as evidenced by medical certification or certification from OMRDD
• Both owned and rental units are eligible

HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAM

Funding for this program is from New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and is being administered by Delaware Opportunities Inc. The program will provide assistance to first time homeowners to provide home ownership counseling to individuals interested in purchasing (1-4 family, owner occupied) homes in Delaware County. Funding is available to assist with down payments, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and reduction in mortgage. Purchasers must have an initial investment of 3% cash available. The grant program is set up for a period of 10 years. No repayment is required as long as the family maintains the property as their primary residence. A yearly inspection and an evaluation that homeowner’s expenses are up to date, including current mortgage payment, taxes, utilities and home owners insurance. Delaware Opportunities Inc. will place a subordinate second mortgage on the property.

RESTORE

Elderly Emergency Home Repair - This program is an elderly (over 60) emergency repair program for people with income below 100% of median. There is maximum grant amount. The residence must be an Owner Occupied single family home. Mobile homes are also eligible.
Homeowners receiving grants will be required to have a security lien placed on the property for three (3) years.

HOUSING REPAIR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the NY State Office of Community Renewal. Funds are secured for use in a specific target area. The purpose of this rehabilitation program is to assist property owners, who meet program guidelines, in making repairs to their home.
Grants are available for low-to-moderate income Owner Occupants. Owner Occupants of multi-family homes are eligible to receive a grant for their property if the owners as well as the tenants are income eligible for the program.
There will be a lien filed on the property for a five year period. Homeowners receiving grants will be required to repay the grant only if the property is sold within the five year period prorated over the sixty month period.

HOME Program

HOME is a Housing Rehabilitation Program which is available county wide. The purpose of this rehabilitation program is to assist property owners, who meet program guidelines, in making repairs to their home.
Eligible homeowner income will not exceed 50% of median income. Housing rehabilitation grants are available for up to $25,000.

HOUSING COUNSELING

Services available include:

• Budget Counseling
• Housing Counseling for first time homebuyers
• Help in finding affordable mortgage opportunities
• Information and application assistance for availability of low interest loans for down payment and closing costs
• Counseling for those in danger of losing their home to foreclosure
• Referrals for low income and elderly people to other housing assistance programs in the county
• Information and application assistance to homeowners looking for grants or loans for home repair
• Monthly classes for first-time homebuyers.