WEST CHESTER, PA — About 70 Chester County families receiving federal emergency housing assistance are expected to retain their rental subsidies as a temporary voucher program ends, avoiding the need to reapply or join the county’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified the Housing Authority of the County of Chester that Emergency Housing Voucher households under lease as of Sept. 30 are eligible to transition through Tenant Protection Vouchers into the Housing Choice Voucher program.
HUD currently identifies 70 HACC families meeting the Sept. 30 requirement. The county housing authority is reviewing that information as it prepares to coordinate the conversions with HUD, tenants and property owners.
The transition is intended to prevent the expiration of the Emergency Housing Voucher program from interrupting rental assistance for eligible households.
Under HUD’s approach, those families will be treated as continuously assisted. They will not have to reapply for housing assistance, enter HACC’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list or undergo another eligibility screening solely because of the conversion.
Eligible tenants may also remain in their current homes as long as they continue meeting applicable lease and program requirements.
“Our priority throughout this process has been protecting the families we serve and minimizing disruption to their housing,” HACC Executive Director Paul Diggs said. “We are pleased that there is now a pathway for eligible EHV families to continue receiving rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.”
HACC plans to contact affected families directly about any paperwork or other steps required. Property owners will receive information about the conversion and Housing Assistance Payment requirements.
Families should continue complying with their existing leases and program requirements while the transition is completed. HACC is also asking participating tenants and landlords to keep their contact information current and watch for official communications.
Additional information will be provided as HUD completes implementation of the transition.
HACC administers affordable housing and rental assistance programs for eligible families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and other Chester County residents. More information is available at www.haccnet.org.
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