HCV Program (Section 8)

Through its Rental Assistance program and Family Self Sufficiency Program, Arbor Housing and Development creates pathways to the security, stability and independence everyone deserves.

Section 8 Rental Assistance

Need help paying your rent or know someone that does?

The Section 8 Rental Assistance Program provides assistance to very low and low-income households in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties. The program is designed to assist renters with securing decent, safe and sanitary rental housing at an affordable cost. Payments are made directly to participating landlords on behalf of qualified households. Applicants must meet the income eligibility guidelines listed below.

The following income limits are 50% of the area median income and will allow you to be placed on the waiting list. However, we are required to target assistance to families whose income is at or below 30% of median income.

To apply for rental assistance email us at Info@ArborDevelopment.org, or call us at 607-654-7487.

Family Self-Sufficiency

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a voluntary HUD program that encourages and assists families to become self-sufficient. Anyone currently on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program residing in Chemung, Schuyler, or Steuben Counties is eligible for FSS.

FSS Offers a financial incentive to families through an escrow account, which is based on increases in earned income. This account becomes available to the family upon successful completion of their FSS Contract of Participation.

Agency Responsibility
The Family Self-Sufficiency Case Manager assists each family to write a 5 year plan of individual goals and objectives. The Coordinator also works with public and private sources to assist families to find services and support needed. An escrow account is established for each family in an interest bearing savings account, and the family receives a record of any deposits and interest yearly. The Coordinator monitors progress on individual goals and objectives and determines when the family has completed the contract.

Family Responsibility
All family members must comply with the terms of the lease and Section 8 program and the head of household must seek and maintain suitable employment. If they are receiving welfare assistance, all family members must become independent of welfare for at least 12 consecutive month before contract expires.

Graduation from the Family Self-Sufficiency program occurs when the family has met all their goals and objectives, or when 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income is above the fair market rent for the size of the unit they qualify for. Any money in their escrow account is paid to the family upon graduation. Many use it for a down payment on a home.

Interested?
If you are interested in participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency program, you must complete an FSS Interest form.

Once you complete the form and return it to us, you will be placed on the waiting list for the program. When your name comes to the top of the list, we will invite you to an FSS Enrollment appointment.

For more information about the Family Self-Sufficiency program, please call 607-654-7487 ext. 2015, or by email at info@arbordevelopment.org.