Thank you for your interest in applying at South Central MN Multi County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. SCMMCHRA serves Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan Counties. Our Section 8, now Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program waiting list is CLOSED! All applicants must apply ONLINE ONLY at: waitlistcheck.com/MN178

Am I Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible to participate in the HCV Program, families must meet HUD determined income guidelines and pass a limited criminal background screening. Income limits will vary by county.

Do I Qualify for a Preference?
To qualify for a preference, you must LIVE, WORK, or be enrolled in HIGHER EDUCATION in Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Watonwan, and Waseca Counties. All applicants who qualify for a preference will be placed before applicants on the waiting list who do not qualify for a preference.

What Happens After I Apply?
After the application is submitted you will receive a receipt with information to set up an Assistance Connect portal login. This portal will allow SCMMCHRA staff to communicate with applicants and obtain information from this secure portal. You must set up an Assistance Connect account to upload eligibility documents.

Reaching the Top of the Waiting List
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will receive a notification to schedule an eligibility appointment. This appointment provides a broad description of owner and family responsibilities, explains procedures, and includes instructions to lease a unit. At the eligibility appointment all information stated on the application will be verified.

Accommodations & Language Interpretation
An accommodation ensures that persons with disabilities or persons that are in need of an accommodation have full access to all SCMMCHRA programs and services. If an accommodation is needed, any applicant may at any time during the application process, request a paper application. If a paper application is needed, applicants must call 507-345-1977 ext. 1, email scmmchra@hickorytech.net, or come into our office during our open window hours: Monday-Thursday: 1:00PM to 4:00PM and Friday's 10:00AM to 12PM. Accommodations and interpretation services for non-English speaking residents will be made -available upon advance request, and applicants should call 507-345-1977 ext. 1 to make accommodations.

SCMMCHRA will not discriminate against you because of your race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or familial status.

SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV)

The purpose of the Section 8 HCV program is to provide rental assistance to eligible low income individuals and families according to HUD rules and regulations.  The Section 8 HCV programs lessens the burden on the family’s budget for housing costs and allows greater choice in selecting a rental unit.   The program works off of a waiting list.  When the family’s name reaches the top of the waiting list and is determined eligible for the program they will be offered a Section 8 HCV.  When the family finds suitable housing the SCMMCHRA will enter into a contract with the owner of the rental housing and the family will sign a lease with the owner of the rental housing.  Program participants pay about 30% to 40% of their gross income (income before taxes) for rent.  The SCMMCHRA pays the difference.  The owner of the rental unit, not the HRA, must approve the voucher holder as a renter.  The HRA will make payments to the landlord for as long as the family is eligible and the housing unit qualifies under the program rules and regulations.  The SCMMCHRA does not have any funds available to help pay security deposits.  The tenant must pay their own security deposit.