The Sterling Heights Housing Commission is taking applications for its housing choice voucher program wait list.
On the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 8, the commission will open the waiting list to the first 100 submissions online for about an hour. It’s unclear when and how many vouchers will ultimately be issued, according to LaKesha Calhoun, executive residential manager for the Sterling Heights Housing Commission, for the program meant to help low-income families, seniors and those with disabilities find housing. The federal housing choice voucher, formerly known as Section 8, can ease rent costs to just 30% of a person’s income, however vouchers are limited and wait lists are typically lengthy.
Here is what else to know:
When is the wait list open?
The wait list is expected to open Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. for 100 online submissions and close within an hour. The commission is not taking paper applications. The last time the commission took applications for its waiting list was in 2021, when 200 came in and 20 received a housing choice voucher.
Who qualifies?
Income eligibility is based on criteria set by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Detroit metro area. For example, a family of four must make under $50,500 to qualify, according to federal income limits. Applicants will be asked for identification, social security cards and birth certificates for all household members. They will also need to show proof of household income, assets and expenses. Applicants do not need to be residents of Sterling Heights to apply.
More: Voucher program can help Michigan families get housing — but using it isn’t easy
Where can households apply?
To apply, go to www.shhcvp.com.
What happens next?
After the commission receives 100 submissions and the waiting list closes, applicants will get a “pre-application” in the mail with instructions to provide required documents and a return deadline, Calhoun said. Incomplete applications won’t be accepted.