Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Shreveport Housing Authority’s Section 8 Rental Assistance Program increases affordable housing choices for low-income households by allowing families to rent privately-owned homes. Unlike the public housing program, which subsidizes the construction and operation of housing developments, the Section 8 Program supplements what individuals can afford to pay for housing in the private market. This approach allows recipients to choose in the private market. This approach allows recipients to choose moderately priced housing based on the type and location that best meets their needs.

Eligible families must select units that meet Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport (HACS) quality standards and the “reasonable” rent guidelines. If HACS approves the selection, then HACS contracts with the owner to make rent subsidy payments on behalf of the family. The Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport (HACS) has the right to reject a lease if the property does not meet the quality standards or the rent is considered unreasonable. Under the Section 8 program, tenants are responsible for the total cost of utilities, rent deposit, and service connection fees.

Two types of vouchers are available, tenant-based and project-based. Under the tenant-based voucher program, the Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport (HACS) issues an eligible family a voucher and the family selects a home of choice. If the family moves out of the home, the contract with the owner ends and the family can move with continued assistance to another home. Under the project-based voucher program, HACS enters into an assistance contract with the owner for a specified number of units and for a specified term. HACS refers families from its waiting list to the project owner to fill vacancies. Because the assistance is tied to the unit, a family who moves from the project-based unit does not have any right to continued housing assistance. However, they may be eligible for a tenant-based voucher when one becomes available.

For more information on how to apply and eligibility requirements, contact the Section 8 Office at (318) 698-3600.