Overview of Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program assists low-income families in Mahoning County to rent privately owned homes and apartments. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). YMHA contracts with HUD as the local provider for Mahoning County. Under the program, a portion of the participants' rent is paid by YMHA to the landlord and the participant is responsible for paying the remaining portion. The choice of where to live is up to the participant, as long as the unit meets the requirements of the program. All housing chosen under the Section 8 program is inspected by YMHA to make sure it meets every requirement for safe, healthy living.

Applying for the Housing Choice Voucher program, participants must submit an application to YMHA. Each application has a number assigned to it by way of a lottery.

YMHA contacts participants by mail when their lottery numbers are reached. At that time, an interview session is scheduled. Participants must bring all required information with them to the interview.

We receive many applications; therefore, it may take some time to reach all participants with news of the status of their applications. Participants are encouraged to call YMHA at any time to check their status.

NOTE:  There have been several changes/additions to the 2009 Administrative plan.  To view
           a summary of those changes/additions, please click on the following link:
                                     2009 Administrative Plan Summary of Changes