Housing Choice Voucher

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly known as Section 8, is a tenant-based rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) throughout Olmsted County. The HCV program is available in most areas of the nation. The assistance "follows" the participant. This means it is possible for the participant to move without losing assistance. Households pay a portion of the rent based on their total adjusted housing costs (rent and utilities). Federal standards set the maximum housing costs allowed under the program. 

Below is a video explaining what the Housing Choice Voucher program is and how it works.

Waitlist process

The waiting list is currently closed, and applications are not being accepted.

When current voucher holders leave the program, new households are offered assistance. Households are contacted based on their position on the waiting list. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, we will mail a letter to the address in your file. You will have a reasonable time to respond, but there is a deadline. If we do not receive a response by the deadline, your name will be removed from the list.

Households will be requested to complete an application and provide needed information. It is essential to provide all the requested information by the requested date. Once the application has been reviewed, we will mail a letter informing households that they are either eligible for the program and will be offered a voucher or not eligible for the program and will not be offered a voucher.

If you are currently on the waiting list and need to change your contact information, please complete the change form waiting list.

Changes in household information 

It is very important for all participants, whether chosen for the waiting list or you are currently receiving services, that any changes in address or family composition be reported to our office in writing. Complete the change form through Assistance Connect or fill out the form below.

Self-Service Portal - RentCafe

We offer current tenants and property owners a secure, online service called RentCafe.This is only for individuals currently receiving services from OCHRA. This service allows you to view information about your assistance, contact us directly, and update your information, at any time, saving you the time and trouble it takes to contact us on the phone.