Submitted by Housing Authority of Thurston County
On January 15, 2020, the Housing Authority of Thurston County (HATC) will open its waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher rent subsidy program.
Waiting lists will also open for the Project-Based Voucher rental assistance programs. These include Evergreen Vista Apartments, Homes First Scattered-Site Units, Krislen Apartments, and the Moderate-Rehabilitation program waiting list for Martin Terrace Apartments.
The Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Voucher, and Moderate-Rehabilitation programs are funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The vouchers assist low-income renters.
Participants typically pay between 30 -40% of their income towards rent and the Housing Authority of Thurston County pays the remainder directly to the landlord.
Karen McVea, HATC Director of Rental Assistance stated, “There are far more income eligible households than there are dollars to fund the needs. Thus, we accept applications and then use a lottery system to place names on the waiting lists.” McVea added, “Households are on the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list an average of two-to-three years before we are able to serve them with a voucher.”
McVea noted that because of the lottery system there is no advantage in being the first to apply. The lists will be open from January 15, 2020 through January, 29, 2020.
Applications will only be accepted electronically through HATC’s website, McVea emphasized that HATC staff is available to help anyone who needs assistance with the application process. Full details are available on the Authority’s website.
HATC presently serves approximately 2,000 Thurston County households with rental subsidies. The Housing Authority of Thurston County is a public corporation governed by six commissioners. It serves its clients with rent subsidies, supportive services, and through its 537 below-market rate rental units. The mission is to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing to persons with disabilities, low-income, and at-risk individuals and families. The ultimate goal of the Housing Authority is to assist individuals and families to secure long-term permanent housing.
