INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

The Phoenix Housing Department is opening the pre-application process to join the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist, the first time since 2016 that individuals and families in need of assistance paying for their rental housing can sign up.

The HCV waitlist will be open for pre-applications for 15 days, from 8 a.m. Sept. 12 through 7 p.m. Sept. 26, according to a release.

The department will accept pre-applications online or by paper, in-person, by email, fax, or mail and in multiple languages, city officials said. The city’s HCV program, also known as Section 8, is available for low-income individuals and families “to afford safe and decent housing in Phoenix.  

“The Housing Choice Voucher program is a necessary and valuable resource for Phoenix residents,” Titus Mathew, housing department director, said.

“We are excited for the opportunity for more individuals and families to join the waitlist and have access to assistance in obtaining safe and stable affordable housing.” 

With a voucher, participants are free to choose their own housing in the private rental market. Generally, participants pay 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent and utilities, and the program pays the difference up to the contract rent to the landlord each month. 

Learn more about the pre-application process and how to apply at www.phoenix.gov/housing, email S8waitlist@phoenix.gov or call 602-534-3030. 

“We want to make this process as easy and accessible as possible for our residents,” Elenia Sotelo, housing manager, said.