TennesseeHousing Development Agency (THDA) announced on Friday it is waiving the income restrictions in Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties for persons who lost their homes in the Sevier County wildfires.
This allowance is a consequence of the presidential disaster designation for the area. THDA administers the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program statewide.
Tennessee's LIHTC properties are posted on TNHousingSearch.org.
The site is free to use. The toll-free number for TNHousingSearch inquiries is
1-877-428-8844. Callers can use English or Spanish. Properties can also be viewed
here on THDA's website, THDA.org.
Individuals who sustained losses in the designated area must apply for federal assistance by registering online at
DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone number will operate from
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Once they are issued a FEMA identification number, they will be eligible to apply at any LIHTC property with a vacancy nationwide regardless of their income.
"Persons who need housing are asked to contact the LIHTC property manager," said Ralph M. Perrey, executive director of THDA. "The waiver will allow displaced households to remain in the property until December 31, 2017."
THDA is providing 50 additional Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers for affected income-eligible families. Applications are made by calling 1-931-881-3472 or in person. THDA staff will be at two locations on December 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
HomeSource
109 Winona Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Ridgewood Village
942 James Ena Miller Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Also, three area agencies assisting with homelessness have been allocated additional Emergency Solutions Grant funds. Applicants for the "rapid re-housing" funds are asked to call
1-888-556-0791. A return number is necessary. Information will be collected and the call returned.