Welcome and congratulations on being selected as a prospective HCV participant!!
Step 1: Register for your assigned briefing |
Step 2: Submit your application |
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Before you begin your application the items listed below are required to process your application for possible voucher issuance. It is recommended you obtain ALL documents BEFORE starting your application.
When you are ready to begin click "Get Started Now!" below
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The Clinton L. Johnson Center for Economic Development (the "Center") is the home of a resource center that provide Mobilians, especially those of low wealth, job training, employability and educational assistance required to achieve economic independence and confidently enter, or advance, in the world of employment. To accomplish this, the Center partners with many community and professional providers already expert in delivering the job training or education skills and resources. In addition, the Center also programs its own offerings, particularly in the areas of Computer Training and Employability Training.
The primary mission of the Center is to equip low- and moderate-income individuals with resources that promote economic self-sufficiency and independence. The Center's mission also focuses on maintaining strategic partnerships with other organizations throughout Mobile so that it can easily refer clients of the Center to those other providers.
The 25,000 square foot Center includes administrative offices a resource and technology center, computer training lab, retail store, small business incubator, and a child development center. The Center also serves as the forum for many community meetings, business meetings and employment trainings.
JobTech provides assistance to residents who seek to enhance their functional technology skills for the workforce. JobTech also includes a business resource library that has many books, videos, magazines and other resources to assist residents with business planning, financial planning, marketing, etc. High-speed Internet access is also available. All of the current services offered by JobTech are offered free or at a very minimal amount.
The incubator has office space available for small start-up businesses or companies that have been in business for less than three years. Renting space in an incubator allows residents convenient access to a furnished office, fax machine, copier, computer, audio/video equipment, and a conference room. For leasing information, call (251) 470-0556.
The Soaring Eagles Child Development Center offers on-site child daycare services and after-school care for children ages 18 months to 12 years old. Each age group has a pre-planned curriculum. the goal of the facility is to promote a positive atmosphere where key learning attitudes are encouraged and key learning skills are intentionally taught. Computer skills are taught, and students take field trips. Operating hours are Mondays - Fridays from 7 a.m.. to 6 p.m.. For more information, call (251) 470-8603.
General Educational Development ("GED") assessment and preparation are available at the Center. These activities are held to help high school age persons to prepare for and take the GED Test, a high school equivalency test. Those who pass the test receive a high school equivalency certificate. GED assessments are given at the Center on Fridays. After completing this test, students will attend preparation classes until they are prepared to take the official GED Test. On-site classes are taught by instructors from a local college and learning is supplemented from computer-assisted self study. For more information about the Center's GED activities, call (251) 470-1728.
Residents interested in owning their own business can obtain free workshop referrals. These workshops are offered periodically by the University of South Alabama Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Assistance Center, and Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (251) 470-1728.
Mobile Housing Authority (“MHA”) residents ages 16-23 may apply for summer jobs through SWEET-P (Summer Work Employment Experience Training Program). This program is sponsored by MHB and SWEET-P Investment Partners who sponsor and/or provide on-the-job training opportunities for high school and college students. The eight-week program provides student workers with pre-employment (soft skills) training, as well as on-the-job training in the public and private sector. To ensure program success, SWEET-P advisors visit job sites to offer assistance to the student workers and their supervisors, if needed. Occasionally, companies and agencies hire SWEET-P participants on a regular part-time or full-time basis. Applications are usually accepted in December and due in March. For more information about SWEET-P, call (251) 470-1728.
Mobile Housing Authority ("MHA") offers a wide variety of Programs and Services designed to assist families enjoy their stay at the communities and to obtain valuable lifestyle and economic independence skills, attitudes and abilities. Most of the Programs are coordinated and administered through MHA's offices of Community & Family Empowerment Program ("CAFÉ") and Community Services Program. All of the Programs seek to focus on Affordable Housing and Housing Choice families and use a methodology that links participating individuals and families with MHA, public and/or private resources to assist families achieve their lifestyle and economic self-sufficiency goals.
Community & Family Empowerment is located at 1655 Eagle Drive - in the Clinton L. Johnson Center for Economic Development.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is designed to help residents who are Public Housing Residents or Section 8 Participants to move toward economic independence. Any resident, whether employed or unemployed, who wants to improve his or her economic and living situation is encouraged to apply.
If you are accepted into the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, an escrow account will be established in your name. Monthly deposits are credited to the account. When your rent goes up as a result of increases in your earned income, withdrawls from the account are available to help you accomplish your goals. Once you complete the program, you receive your escrow account balance. You have up to five (5) years to complete your goals after entering the program.
Working together with your career counselor can help you accomplish your goals. You can have your dreams. The time is now. For more information, Public Housing Residents and Housing Choice Participants should call their Resident Services Advisors at the following main phone number: (251)434-2229
The Senior Wellness Program promotes, good health, independence and an excellent quality of life for our senior residents.
The program provides the following activities:
The HCV Section 8 Wait List is Closed.
If you applied, check on your status here.
Dear Mobile Housing Authority Program Participant and Landlord Partner:
Effective June 1, 2020 we will be unable to fully execute the HAP contract and approve the HCV family for tenancy at any unit without the following information:
All forms are required and MUST be turned in before the HAP will be executed by MHA and payment released on behalf of the tenant and/or landlord.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as "Section 8") is a federally funded housing program that provides rental assistance to eligible families based on family size and household income. This assistance provides families with alternative housing choices and opportunities to achieve rent in the broader housing market. Without the valuable tools of the Program, the financial ability of many low wealth families may prevent them from keeping pace with rising rental housing costs and thereby live in areas where there is a significant concentration of poverty. The Program also seeks to encourage families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") determines the overall manner in which the Program will operate, and has many rules and regulations to assist in the broad guidance of the Program. Housing authorities are provided some latitude in establishing their own policies and procedures to ensure the smooth operation of the Program given local housing and other conditions. MHA's policies and procedures are in its Housing Choice Administrative Plan.
Locally, success of this program depends on the establishment of strong public-private partnerships between MHA and private property owners and landlords. MHA seeks to recruit and maintain suitable owners/landlords to the Program. One key element of the Program is the ability to contract with property managers and owners who have housing units that meet HUD’s minimum housing quality standards ("HQS") of decent, safe and sanitary housing. MHA inspects units to determine that the minimum HQS standards are met. Many low- and very low-income families rely on landlords who are willing to participate in the Program. Participating families include elderly persons, disabled persons, single persons with no dependents, working families, and families with marginal income.
Each family must apply for the Program and meet HUD’s income limits in order to qualify for assistance.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a three-way partnership between the family, the owner/landlord and the housing authority. In order for the program to work, MHA has the following responsibilities:
Housing Quality Standards ("HQS") have been set by HUD to ensure that assisted units meet minimum health and safety standards. HQS consists of (a) performance requirements, and (b) acceptability criteria or HUD approved variations in the acceptability criteria. Please contact MHA for a copy of HUD Form 52580 (Inspection Form). MHA requires additional standards in compliance with the local City Code and Fire Code regarding window screens, screen doors, smoke alarms, etc.
The HCV Section 8 Wait List is Closed.
If you applied, check on your status here.
Currently the HCV Waiting List is CLOSED and MHA is not currently accepting applicants for its general Waiting List. Generally, in order to obtain assistance, an applicant must apply to the Program when MHA is asking persons to apply to the HCV Waiting List. During that time, Mobile Housing Authority will take applications on an “as needed basis”, depending on the length of the waiting list and available funding.
Free Computer Classes for Participants and Landlords. See details here!
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a three-way partnership between the family, the owner/landlord and the housing authority. In order for the program to work, MHA has the following responsibilities:
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0-BR |
1-BR |
2-BR |
3-BR |
4-BR |
5-BR |
|
Payment Standard |
$799 |
$805 |
$981 |
$1,279 |
$1,480 |
$1,701 |
|
Minus Utilities |
$108 |
$153 |
$193 |
$229 |
$278 |
$316 |
|
Base Rent |
$691 |
$652 |
$788 |
$1,050 |
$1,202 |
$1,385 |
Several factors determine the maximum amount of rent payable for a Housing Choice assisted unit:
IMPORTANT: HUD RESTRICTS FAMILIES ASSISTED IN ANY UNIT FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM PAYING RENT AND UTILITIES THAT EXCEED 40% OF THEIR MONTHLY ADJUSTED INCOMES.
HUD requires a rent reasonableness test be conducted on each unit. This is essential to the successful operation of Housing Choice Voucher Program. Reasonable rent is defined as rent paid to owner that is not more than rent charged:
Landlords! Want to check your ledger?
How about manage your bank account information?
Or view unit inspection information? Use RentCAFE!!!
BUT FIRST - Did you receive your registration code, via mail or email?
No? Submit your basic information here to have your registration code retrieved for you!
If you have already registered and have a RentCAFE account:
Free Computer Classes for Participants and Landlords. See details here!
Mobile Housing Authority ("MHA") has partnered with GoSection8.com and ALHousingSearch.org, which provide an enhanced manner to list rental properties online. Listings are available to potential Housing Choice Voucher participants who are seeking apartments, duplexes, single-family homes or townhomes in the private market. If you have questions regarding registering, creating, or viewing property listings, please clink the links above to go to their websites, or call the GoSection8 toll free help line at 1-866-466-7328, or ALHousingSearch.org at 1-877-428-8844.
It is recommended that Landlords add photos to their listing for better advertising and faster lease up!
Housing Quality Standards ("HQS") have been set by HUD to ensure that assisted units meet minimum health and safety standards. HQS consists of (a) performance requirements, and (b) acceptability criteria or HUD approved variations in the acceptability criteria. Please contact MHA for a copy of HUD Form 52580 (Inspection Form). MHA requires additional standards in compliance with the local City Code and Fire Code regarding window screens, screen doors, smoke alarms, etc.
