Housing Choice Voucher Program

HCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in the private market via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, HCHA pays a portion of eligible families’ rent each month. These payments are made directly to the property owner/manager. Participating families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment from private property owners throughout Harris County. This program helps families realize their potential and cultivate their personal, economic and social skills to support the transition from subsidized to non-subsidized housing.

HCHA serves areas outside of the city of Houston but within the limits of Harris County. Zipcodes served by HCHA are listed below, and participants may also view our Service Area Map.

ZIP codes listed in red or green below have been identified as areas that contain excellent schools and have rental rates above the county average. HCHA will subsidize units for residents choosing to live in these areas at 110% for the red and 120% for the green of its normal payment standard. You can also print a list of the most updated version of our Service Area Zip Codes for all moves, appointments, new port-in’s and new applicants after September 6, 2016. To find school boundary and zoning information, visit www.greatschools.org.

HCHA serves areas outside of the city of Houston but within the limits of Harris County. Zip codes served by HCHA may be viewed on our service area map.  Please review our most recent Payment Standard chart for a complete list of rates.

Applicants to the HCV Program must meet a number of requirements detailed in HCHA’s HCV Program Administrative Plan including:

• Qualifying for one of HCHA’s local preferences or being active on HCHA’s Waiting List
• Meeting income limits specified by HUD
• Passing a criminal background check

To qualify for the program, applicants must have an income at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) based on their family size as shown below.

Number of Family Members	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Harris County	$27,600	$31,550	$35,500	$39,400	$42,600	$45,750	$48,900	$52,050

Harris County Housing Authority opened its waiting list for the HCV Program October 31 – November 2, 2016. Individuals that completed the required application and submitted the required documents were placed on the waiting list. As vouchers become available, families on the waiting list are contacted to verify their eligibility and continued interest in the program. When the waiting list opens again, HCHA will notify the community through a county-wide campaign.

If you did not register for the waiting list in 2016, you are not eligible for the HCV Program unless you qualify for one for three local preferences. However, you may qualify for other HCHA housing options. For more information about those options, please visit the Find Housing page.

If you did register for the waiting list, you will receive a letter asking you to verify your eligibility and continued interest in the program. These program interest letters are sent out as vouchers become available. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.