For the first time in either agency’s history, the Chattanooga Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area Inc. have forged a partnership that allows current Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) participants to use their vouchers toward the purchase of a home.
Previously, Section 8 clients who pursued homeownership through Habitat would have to relinquish their voucher assistance.
“This is just another great opportunity to help low to moderate income families make a smoother transition into homeownership,” said Habitat’s Executive Director Pete Palmer. “We put our heads together with CHA to create a way for Habitat clients who receive a Section 8 voucher to use that support to help with their mortgage.”
Habitat hosted a house dedication ceremony for its first “voucher” client, Allie Cisco, on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. The house, which is also Habitat’s first renovation of a foreclosed property, is located at 2015 E. 14th St.
Officials say the HCVP-Habitat clients must meet the homeownership requirements set forth by CHA and Habitat, which include completing homebuyer’s education classes and contributing 350 “sweat equity” hours. Habitat then sells a home to the family with a zero interest mortgage.
“CHA then determines the maximum about of voucher assistance the client is eligible to receive,” said CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright. “Then, the voucher is applied toward the family’s monthly mortgage payments. This assistance lasts for ten years for most of our homeownership clients.”
“This new alliance with Habitat moves CHA closer to achieving one of our goals, which is to enable more families and individuals to become self-sufficient,” Ms. McCright said. “Sometimes, people just need a little push to get them to start thinking about homeownership. It can be an overwhelming process for someone who’s never done it before, yet it’s also rewarding for those who stay the course.”
Ms. Cisco, a 23-year-old single mother of three, said she’s truly grateful for the extra support. “With the way our economy is right now, this will definitely benefit me and my children,” Ms. Cisco said. “When you own a home instead of renting one, you’re responsible for all the repairs, maintenance and upkeep. It’s just a good feeling to know I get to keep my voucher, and have extra money to put aside each month for savings or emergencies.”
Since 2000, CHA has helped 21 Section 8 clients and public housing residents purchase homes. In addition to Habitat, CHA’s other homeownership partners include the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, 28th Community Development Corp., Hope for the Inner City and Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that has been building simple, decent and affordable homes in the city since 1986. To date, Habitat has helped 218 families become homeowners.