ULSTER COUNTY RENTAL ASSISTANCE (SECTION 8) WAIT LIST OPENS MARCH 1

Local residents struggling to make rent have an opportunity to tap into hope in the long-term. For the first time since 2016, RUPCO is opening the Wait List for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) in Ulster County. Starting March 1, the community developer will receive applications from those looking for rental assistance. Most rent voucher recipients are among the most vulnerable populations in our communities like seniors, the disabled, single parents with children, and working families.

The HCV Program, commonly referred to as Section 8, provides rental support to people with low to moderate incomes, based on household size. The program is underwritten by the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department, and delivered through the New York State Homes and Community Development (NYS HCR). RUPCO oversees the voucher program in Ulster and Greene Counties, however, this application round is for lottery access to Ulster County voucher subsidies only. Anyone receiving a voucher will be required to live in Ulster County for the first 12-months of the subsidy cycle. The last time the Housing Choice Voucher Wait List was open in Ulster County was November 2016. Applicants placed on the list could wait one to three years for help with rent.

Applications are available Friday, March 1, 2019 through Monday, April 1, 2019. Interested applicants can download an application online from www.rupco.org or pick up a hard copy at RUPCO’s office; 289 Fair Street, Kingston, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All applications must be completed, signed, and mailed or hand-delivered to the Kingston office. No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted. The application deadline is Monday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. to 289 Fair Street, Kingston.

“The HCV Program provides rental assistance for very low-income families. Funding enables people with limited income to choose and lease safe, affordable, privately-owned rental housing,” says Vanessa Secore, RUPCO’s Director of Rental Assistance. “Ulster County individuals and families earning 50% or less of the area median income are eligible to apply. For a family of four to be eligible, their combined household income should total $39,600 (or less). For single people, the income threshold is $27,750. We encourage veterans and their families to apply, as well as people on the fence.” In 2016, RUPCO received over 1850 applications for the Ulster County Wait List.

This year, applications will again be entered into a random lottery drawing to be conducted after April 1. This lottery determines placement of applicants on the Wait List. ”All applications submitted by April 1 have an equal chance of being first on the list. That’s the beauty of the lottery,” adds Secore. “Make sure your application is complete. If you need help with the paperwork, come to the Kingston office (289 Fair Street) on Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A Housing Choice Voucher Specialist will assist you. Bring proof of residency, something like utility bill that has the same address as the application or a driver’s license. And as a reminder to those applying, being placed on the Wait List doesn’t guarantee receiving a Housing Choice Voucher right away. Many applicants wait one to three years before receiving rental assistance. After April 1, all applicants will be notified by mail of their status.” RUPCO administers 1662 Housing Choice Vouchers in Ulster County.