The following instructions are provided online in order to complete the application:

1. Before you begin the application process, please have the social security number (SSN) for the head of household.  The SSN is being submitted over a secure environment.
2. It is very important that you provide a correct mailing address/email address, and phone number so the local housing agency can contact you regarding your application.   If your contact information is not correct then you will not receive information regarding the program and your name will be removed from the waiting list.  You are not required to provide an email address but this is helpful as a contact source.  Email is a quick tool to contact you rather than using the postal service for mail delivery.
3. For the purpose of assisting the local housing agency in resolving any issues that may arise during the applicant process or to assist in providing any special care or services you may require, you have the right to include as a part of your application, the name, address, telephone number, and email address of a family member, friend, or social, health, advocacy, or other organization. This is an optional question and it not required to submit your application.
1. The online application is designed to be quick and easy to complete.  You have an initial 20 minutes to submit the application.  If more time is needed to complete the application an additional 20 minutes is provided.  The clock does not start until you enter your SSN.
4. You should have paper and pen ready to write down a confirmation number provided to you once you have completed the application.  This is your notice that you are on the waiting list.   No letters are mailed to notify you of your placement on the waiting list.
5. If you do not receive a confirmation number after you submit your application, immediately reapply before the application deadline closes. If you do not receive an online confirmation number then, your application was not accepted and your application will not be on the waiting list. If you encounter any problems receiving your confirmation number, please email HCVWaitList@vhda.com before the waiting list closes.  Issues reported after the waiting list closes cannot be addressed and your application will not be on the waiting list.
6. Once a voucher becomes available you will be contacted by the local housing agency either by email or by letter. Your eligibility for the voucher assistance will be verified when your name is reached on the waiting list.

Definition of Local Preferences

Client with agency services - services provided by a local housing agency to a special needs population.

Applicant family - a family, defined by the local housing agency, which is applying for assistance.

Disabled family - a family whose head, spouse, or sole member is a person with disabilities; or two or more persons with disabilities living together; or one or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides (24 CFR 5.403).

Elderly family - a family whose head, spouse, or sole member is a person who is at least 62 years of age; or two or more persons who are at least 62 years of age living together; or one or more persons who are at least 62 years of age living with one or more live-in aides (24 CFR 5.403).

Homeless - Any person or family that: (1) lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence; or (2) is living in a shelter or utilizing shelter resources that provide temporary living arrangements; or (3) is exiting an institution where the person resided 90 days or less and was homeless prior to being institutionalized; or (4) is fleeing any type of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or other dangerous or life-threatening situation. 

 Homeless with children under age 18: Any family that has children under age 18 and: (1) lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence; or (2) is living in a shelter or utilizing shelter resources that provide temporary living arrangements; or (4) is fleeing any type of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or other dangerous or life-threatening situation.

Preference for singles - single persons who are age 62 or older, displaced, homeless, or persons with disabilities are given preference over other single persons (24 CFR 982.207(b)(v)(5)).

Rent burdened - a family paying more than 50 percent of monthly family income for rent and utilities.

Waiting list area - a jurisdiction identified as the VHDA local agency’s area to operate and provides services.

Working family - a family where the head, spouse or sole member is employed OR where the head and spouse, or sole member is age 62 or older, or is a person with a disability.

Substandard housing is defined by HUD if it:

1. is dilapidated. A housing unit is dilapidated if it:
   • does not provide safe and adequate shelter AND meets the criteria in either paragraphs 2, 3 or 4
   • endangers the health, safety or well being of a family in its present condition
   • has one or more critical defects; OR
   • as a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient number or extent to require considerable repair or rebuilding. (The defects may involve original construction, or they may result from continued neglect or lack of repair or rebuilding).
2. does not have operable indoor plumbing;
3. does not have a usable flush toilet, bathtub or shower inside the unit for the exclusive use of a family;
4. does not have electricity or has inadequate or unsafe electrical service;
5. does not have safe or adequate source of heat;
6. should, but does not, have a kitchen;
7. OR, has been declared unfit for the habitation by an agency or unit of government.

A local housing agency serves a specific area known as their area of operation or waiting list area.

For example: Pembroke Management, Inc. administers the voucher program for the counties of Craig, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski. The area served by Pembroke Management is their waiting list area.

https://vhda.apply4housing.com/