Thank you for your interest in applying at South Central MN Multi County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. SCMMCHRA serves Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan Counties. Our Section 8, now Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program waiting list is OPEN! All applicants must apply ONLINE ONLY at: waitlistcheck.com/MN178

Am I Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible to participate in the HCV Program, families must meet HUD determined income guidelines and pass a limited criminal background screening. Income limits will vary by county and are located under our resource “tenant” section on our website.

Do I Qualify for a Preference?

Families will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date and time their complete application is received by the PHA.

To qualify for a preference, you must LIVE, WORK, or be enrolled in HIGHER EDUCATION in Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties. At the time of initial application, or at any time a household is active on our waiting list, the household can self-declare whether or not they are eligible for a residency preference, and the PHA will place the applicant on the waiting list according to the preference claimed. The PHA will verify the preference claimed and collect the required documentation at the time the household comes to the top of the waiting list. All applicants who qualify for a preference will be placed before applicants on the waiting list who do not qualify for a preference.

To claim a residency preference please contact our office at 507-345-1977 ext. 1 or send an email to scmmchra@scmmchra.org.

Important Note: If you (or another family member listed on your application) are currently on 2 LEASES, you must type in the address of the lease that came 1st as your ADDRESS. When the 1st lease ends, you must contact the HRA at 507-345-1977 ext. 1 to update your new address (2nd lease).

What Happens After I Apply?
After the application is submitted you will receive a letter in the mail with information to set up an Assistance Connect portal login. This portal will allow SCMMCHRA staff to communicate and obtain information using this secure portal. If you need help with this portal, please contact our office at 507-345-1977 ex. 1.

While the family is on the waiting list, the family must immediately inform the PHA of changes in contact information, including current residence, mailing address, and changes in preference.

Reaching the Top of the Waiting List
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will receive a notification to schedule an in-person intake appointment. At the intake appointment all information stated on the application will be verified. Once you’re deemed eligible to receive a voucher you will receive a notification to schedule an in-person briefing appointment. This briefing provides a description of owner, family, and HRA responsibilities while families are participating in the program.

Accommodations & Language Interpretation
An accommodation ensures that persons with disabilities or persons that need an accommodation have full access to all SCMMCHRA programs and services. If an accommodation is needed, any applicant may at any time during the application process, request a paper application. If a paper application is needed, applicants must call 507-345-1977 ext. 1, email scmmchra@scmmchra.org, or come into our office-422 Belgrade Ave Suite 102 in North Mankato. Accommodations and interpretation services for non-English speaking residents will be made -available upon advance request, and applicants must call 507-345-1977 ext. 1.

SCMMCHRA will not discriminate against you because of your race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or familial status.

SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV)

The purpose of the Section 8 HCV program is to provide rental assistance to eligible low income individuals and families according to HUD rules and regulations.  The Section 8 HCV programs lessens the burden on the family’s budget for housing costs and allows greater choice in selecting a rental unit.   The program works off of a waiting list.  When the family’s name reaches the top of the waiting list and is determined eligible for the program they will be offered a Section 8 HCV.  When the family finds suitable housing the SCMMCHRA will enter into a contract with the owner of the rental housing and the family will sign a lease with the owner of the rental housing.  Program participants pay about 30% to 40% of their gross income (income before taxes) for rent.  The SCMMCHRA pays the difference.  The owner of the rental unit, not the HRA, must approve the voucher holder as a renter.  The HRA will make payments to the landlord for as long as the family is eligible and the housing unit qualifies under the program rules and regulations.  The SCMMCHRA does not have any funds available to help pay security deposits.  The tenant must pay their own security deposit.