The Section 8 program is a rental assistance program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the Section 8 Program is to enable families or individuals to obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing by paying a portion of rental costs (including utilities) for the families directly to their landlord.



Participating families select a unit of their choice, however, the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards Inspection done by NWICA. The owner of the property must be willing to sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract, which allows the state to make rental assistance payments directly to the owner.

Both families and individuals are eligible for the program. Eligibility is based on income and family composition. HUD annually publishes poverty level guidelines by family size for each county. To be eligible the applicant must be within the established financial guidelines.

The Family Development Program is a program targeted to Section 8 voucher participants. The program is a voluntary, in-home support services program that helps to identify family strengths, desires and needs. A Family Development Specialist (FDS) is assigned to families to complete an assessment. The FDS will then demonstrate to families how to use their strengths to fulfill desires and accomplish goals based on the needs as identified in the assessment.

Family Development services could include the following:

• Employment and Job Training Retention Skills
• Budgeting Classes
• Parenting Classes
• Homeownership Referrals
• Credit Counseling Referrals
• Education Assistance

For more information, please contact Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation (NWICA).