Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), a WHA initiative funded by the Federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides an alternative to conventional public housing. The program is designed specifically for families and has extra provisions for the elderly, people with disabilities and veterans.
Participants in the program receive a monthly rent subsidy enabling them to secure rental housing in the private market.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows participants to exercise more control and choice in selecting an affordable place to live. With participating owners located throughout Wilmington, a family can find a home that best meets their needs in terms of price, size, and proximity to public transportation and shopping. It also helps low-wage workers make ends meet and gives families access to safer neighborhoods with better schools and employment opportunities.
Units with various numbers of bedrooms are available, as are some single-family residences, enabling participants to find the best home for their family size. Property owners and units are carefully screened to ensure that homes are in good repair, meet building codes and standards, and have fully functioning systems and appliances. Participants may also live in their current rental home if it meets the same criteria. The lease agreement is between the participant and the landlord, not WHA.
In partnership with other agencies, WHA also has a variety of special purpose vouchers to assist families overcome barriers to housing and for people living with HIV/AIDS.
How It Works:
Are you a current HCVP landlord or
would like to learn more?
Who is Eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Currently, families with earnings of 50% or below the Wilmington area’s average median income are candidates for HCVP. HUD revises its guidelines each April. Any change will be reflected here. Heads of households must be 18 or older. Other eligibility requirements include:
- Must qualify as a family, which includes single person households
- Submit evidence of citizenship or eligible status
- A background check covering the last five years
- No status as a registered sex offender
- Having no current or pending criminal charges
- Successfully passing a credit check
- No evictions or other problems with previous landlords within thelast three years
If the applicant is a past resident of a WHA community or of any public housing in the U.S., any outstanding balances from the previous tenancy must be paid in full
FAQs
Must I update my personal information while I am on the waiting list?
When will the waiting list reopen?
As a resident, what happens if I lose/change my job and my income is affected?
My family income is less than 50% of the area median. May I still participate in HCVP?
How to Apply
Please note that at this time, the waiting list for Housing Choice Voucher Program is closed.
To become a HCVP participant, eligible families must apply to the waiting list. When the waiting list reopens, it will be announced on this website, as well as through public notices in local media. So please check back periodically.
When the waiting list reopens, applicants have several ways to apply:
By mail or by bringing your application to the drop-box located at WHA’s offices at 1524 South 16th Street in Wilmington
Please note that there is no fee to apply.
Please be aware that there are deadlines for submitting your application. Applications must be brought to the WHA office or postmarked by that date
Once your application is received and processed, you will be sent a letter notifying you that your name has come up and inquiring if you are still interested and if you still qualify.
If so, you will be assigned a caseworker and be invited for an interview where any changes in your
circumstances are noted
You will be asked to present a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a photo ID showing that you
are 18 or older
A successful interview will be followed by a background check, a credit check, and a status review of
past due payments (if any) owed to WHA or any other Housing Authority in the U.S.
You will receive final approval within 7 to 10 business days
Once approved, you will receive your official voucher and a list of recommended local landlords who accept HCVs. Then you can begin your home search!
2023 HUD Payment Standards:
HUD
FMR
Payment Standard
0 Bedroom
$1,027
$1,027
1 Bedroom
$1,349
$1,349
2 Bedroom
$1,515
$1,515
3 Bedroom
$2,002
$2,002
4 Bedroom
$2,561
$2,574
5 Bedroom
$2,945
$2,959
6 Bedroom
$3,329
$3,329
The amount in the left column is what HUD has determined to be the fair market rental rate for the Wilmington area. The right column shows the amount that the WHA will pay the landlord.
HCVP participants pay 30% of their income toward the total rent. For example, someone earning $15,000 a year ($1,250 per month) would be required to pay the landlord $375 towards the $1,240 rent on a one bedroom, with WHA paying the remaining $865.