Menard County Housing Authority

The Future of Affordable Housing is Here

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is a rental assistance program for very low-income families and individuals. Under the program, a qualifying family or individual will receive a voucher from the Menard County Housing Authority that may be used toward payment of rent on a participating, private-market rental unit.

The value of the voucher and housing assistance payment (HAP) will vary depending on the family’s income and the rent amount. Voucher holders are allowed up to 40% of their income for rent & utilities. For example, if a voucher holder earns $1000/month, he or she will be allowed to spend $400 on rent and utilities. If the “utility allowance” for the rental unit is $100/month, the tenant portion of the rent will be $300 (because $300 rent + $100 utilities = 40% of monthly income). If the rent for the unit is $650/month, MCHA will pay the difference of $350.

How It Works

To qualify for the program, a family or individual must earn less than or equal to 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as published by HUD. For more information of qualifying incomes, please contact us.

Landlords who choose to take part in the program and accept Housing Choice Vouchers must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  In exchange for meeting these standards, landlords receive a portion of their monthly rental income from MCHA. MCHA always pays its landlords in full and in a timely manner. That is the extent of MCHA’s involvement in your business. You maintain full control over your properties while MCHA assists your tenant by helping pay the rent and ensuring they have a safe, decent, and sanitary place to live.

If you are a landlord and would like more information on becoming a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, please contact us.

Landlords