Resource Library Tenant Based Housing Assistance Resources
Overview
Through programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, participants locate a rental unit in the private marketplace and pay between 30-40% of their income towards the rent. On average, Scott County CDA pays $700 per participant towards the subsidy. There are approximately 140 landlords throughout the county participating in this program.
Below you’ll find an overview of the programs, frequently asked questions, documents, and forms related to our housing assistance. If you have a question, please contact us. We’re here to help.
Information for Current Participants
Here is where current participants of the tenant-based program can find resources such as an overview of the program, frequently asked questions, documents and forms related to our Section 8 housing assistance.
Special Programs
The CDA assists some of our most vulnerable populations through rental assistance vouchers that are designated for special populations. You can find information about these programs here.
Information for Landlords
With the current low vacancy rates plus the high demand for rental units, our landlord partners hold the keys to increasing affordable housing options in Scott County.
FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM (FSS)
Available to current Housing Choice Voucher holders, this program helps households increase income, reduce the need for public assistance, and connect participants with resources to help them reach goals.
Now Accepting Applications: Homeownership Voucher Program
We currently have an opening in our Homeownership Voucher Program. Like the Section 8 program, this program helps with your monthly payment. Instead of the assistance going to a monthly rent payment, this program’s assistance is sent to your mortgage company to help with your monthly mortgage payment. This program is limited to a maximum of 15 years, and you will remain the homeowner when it ends.
You must be a current Scott County CDA Section 8 participant and meet all other eligibility criteria. Other eligibility criteria are located in the Eligibility Criteria and Application Process Guide.
Please download and complete the application if you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying for this program. You may also request an application by email at hov@scottcda.org or by calling 952-402-9022. For more information and questions, you may contact Amal at aosman@scottcda.org.
Eligibility Criteria
Application
Waiting Lists
Our Section 8 waiting lists are currently closed, yet we have availability at some of our project-based communities. To view waiting lists, click here.
If you are already on the list and want to check your placement status, please go to scottco.housingmanager.com. If you need to report an address change, please complete the waiting list change form by clicking here. Please return the form either by fax or mail.
Mailing address:
Scott County CDA
323 Naumkeag St
Shakopee, MN 55379
Fax: 952-496-2852
To learn more about other affordable housing options, please visit HousingLink by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rent assistance that is received from the Housing Choice Voucher Program is called a “Voucher.” Vouchers stay with the tenant and not with the housing unit. This allows households to choose a rental unit from the private rental market as long as the property owner is willing to accept the rental assistance.
Known as HCV or Section 8, this is a is a federally funded, rental subsidy program that assists its participants with their monthly rental payments. Participants locate a rental unit in the private marketplace and pay a minimum of 30% of their income towards the rent.
The process begins by applying at a housing authority (such as the Scott County CDA) when the waiting list for the program is open. Unfortunately, waiting lists open infrequently because each housing authority has a limited amount of vouchers to administer. It is a good idea to sign up for automatic e-mail alerts from Housinglink.org so you get a notification when a waiting list opens. Also, visit our waiting list resource page here for more information about Scott County CDA rental assistance programs.
You can read more about Fair Housing Resources here.
We do not offer emergency housing but there are resources that we recommend. Since the CDA’s programs operate off a waiting list which may be lengthy, you should contact other resources for assistance below:
Please call 911 if you have immediate concerns over your safety. If domestic violence is impacting your current housing situation, click here to learn about your rights, and call your Housing Specialist for further guidance at (952) 402-9022. Our hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm and in the summer months our Friday hours are 8:00 am to 11:45 am.
Southern Valley Alliance is a local organization with resources and information, and we invite you to visit their website here.
HousingLink is a local organization with additional resources and information about subsidized housing that may be available for you. Please visit their website by clicking here.
Related Topics
Special Housing Programs