Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

This rental assistance to income-eligible families helps Cecil County families afford a better place to live or assists with paying a portion of the monthly rent where the family is currently living. A family consists of one or more household members. Household income must meet federal income guidelines.

In Cecil County, the PHA (Public Housing Authority) that administers the Voucher Program is the Cecil County Housing Agency, part of Cecil County’s Housing and Community Development Division, Department of Community Services. It is important to remember that the PHA, the tenant and the landlord must all work closely together from time of application to eligibility determination, and throughout your family’s entire time with the Voucher Program. It is an ongoing relationship!

PLEASE NOTE: There is currently a multi-year wait list for the Voucher Program in Cecil County.
You will need to follow the process below and keep the office updated to any changes until you are contacted to determine eligibility.

CECIL COUNTY HOUSING AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

CALL: 410-996-5245

EMAIL: cecilhousing@cecilcountymd.gov

FAX: 410-996-5256

MAILING ADDRESS: 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 1800, Elkton, MD 21921

Housing Voucher Application Process

1. APPLICATION: Family completes the preliminary application, and the family name is placed on the waiting list. You may download the application or ask for an application to be emailed (if you can print it) or it can be mailed to you. We strongly recommend dropping your application off at the County Administration Building. Email applications cannot be accepted unless signed with ink and scanned. It may also be faxed.
2. SELECTION POLICY: The selection policy is based on the date and time of your preliminary application. Preference is given to Cecil County residents first, then state of Maryland, then all others.
3. WAITING LIST: Current wait time is approximately three (3) years for Cecil County residents. If you would like to check on the status of your application, please call our office.
4. ENROLLMENT: When the family's name reaches the top of the waiting list, an enrollment interview is scheduled, and eligibility is determined.
5. CERTIFICATION: If determined eligible, the family attends a briefing session where information is provided on how the Voucher Program works, and how to obtain housing suited to the family's needs.
6. HOUSING SELECTION: The family must find housing within 120 days that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards and allowable rent limits. The family's present dwelling may qualify or, under the program's portability option, the family may find a unit within or outside Maryland, provided a Housing Choice Voucher Program exists in that jurisdiction. If you would like to search for affordable housing online, we encourage you to do so at affordablehousing.com.
7. NEGOTIATION: The family comes to an agreement with the landlord on lease terms.
8. AGENCY REVIEW: The Housing Agency evaluates the lease and inspects the dwelling to determine if they meet Voucher Program standards.
9. APPROVAL: The Housing Agency determines approval or disapproval of the lease and unit.
10. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION: Upon Agency approval of the lease and unit, the Housing Agency and Owner enter into a contract on behalf of the family for the unit.

**Please note that this may be a very lengthy and complicated process. While you are waiting for housing assistance from our agency, we encourage you to conduct your own search for housing. You may begin by searching online search at affordablehousing.com and by referring to our provided list of rental communities in Cecil County.

For more detailed information also see the HCV Applicant and Tenant Resources on the HUD website.

Voucher Portability Feature

If you already have a voucher in another jurisdiction and would like to move to Cecil County, you may be able to do so using the Portability process. You must provide our contact information at the top of this page to your current housing agency, who will send us the proper paperwork to initiate the process. If you have questions about this please consult your current housing agency, or contact our Portability Officer at 410-996-8213.

Federal Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)

FSS is a case management, resource, and savings program for current Voucher holders. This program provides assistance, supportive services, and the opportunity for families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency through asset building, escrow accounts, and homebuying assistance programs. Interested Cecil County voucher holders please contact the Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator at 410-996-8217 to find out if there are openings for new participants in the program.

First Time Home Buyers

First time buyers programs designed to increase the home ownership rate, especially among lower income and minority households. Please refer to the Housing Counseling Services.

Family Unification Program

Special rental assistance may be available to families at risk of children being removed and/or reunited with parents (by Department of Social Services). Limited availability.

Domestic Violence

Special rental assistance (limited) and counseling are available to families experiencing domestic violence.
Call 410-996-0333.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

VASH is a special purpose funding program designated by HUD to assist Veterans and their families find rental housing. The program includes specific eligibility criteria and case management services from the VA. Veterans must be referred to Cecil County Housing by the Perry Point VA. To obtain a referral for rental assistance call 410-642-2411.

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