Section 8 Program

Community Teamwork, Inc.
167 Dutton St.
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 459-0551

Housing Choice Voucher Program
(Section 8)

What is Rental Assistance? The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), formerly known as the Section 8 Program, is the largest federally funded rental subsidy program available to assist low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

As one of nine regional non-profit housing agencies, CTI's Division of Housing and Homeless Services administers the HCVP to more than 2000 low-income families to help defray the cost of rent. With funding from the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) we administer many rental assistance programs, in addition to HCVP in forty-three cities and towns in Massachusetts.

Am I Eligible for Rental Assistance? Eligibility for a housing voucher is based on the family size and income and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status and have not engaged in violent criminal activity or felony related drug activity with twenty-four months of selection from the waiting list. . In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the area in which the family chooses to live. When a family fills out an application, their name is placed on a waiting list. Unfortunately, the length of time it takes for a family to reach the top of the list is often several years. Once the family reaches the top of the list, they will be contacted by CTI and required to attend an eligibility appointment. If determined eligible for the program, the family would be required to attend a briefing session to review the rules and obligations of the program and the procedures of the leasing process.

Within the guidelines of the Rental Assistance Program, tenants pay approximately 30% to 40% of their monthly income toward rent and utilities while CTI pays the remaining balance directly to the property owner. All rental property must undergo an annual Housing Quality Standards Inspection by our trained staff of housing inspectors.

It is very important for families to notify the Division of Housing and Homeless Services in writing of any change of address. Returned mail will result in an application being removed from the waiting list.

Tenant's Corner

Tenant's Obligations

Apartment Listings

Landlord's Corner

Landlord's Obligations

CTI's Section 8 Inspections

Most Common Failed Inspection Items

Other Rental Assistance Programs Offered: CTI offers a number of various state and federal rental assistance programs. They include the following; Project Base Housing, Veteran Assisted Supportive Housing, Family Unification Program, Single Room Occupancy Housing, Mainstream Housing, and Shelter Plus Care Programs.

For more information about any of these Rental Assistance Programs, contact Kathy Callahan, Housing Admin Manager at (978) 459-0551, Ext. 265.