Housing Choice Voucher Program

Eligibility

Clients must meet income guidelines and a required background check. 

Explanation of Services

The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families obtain safe, decent housing at an affordable price. Applicants must meet income guidelines and pass a background check to be approved. The waiting period is currently three years with no emergency money available unless a family is involuntarily displaced due to a natural disaster (flood, fire, etc.). These displaced families are moved to the top of the waiting list to receive the next available voucher.

When the client reaches the top of the list and is certified, he or she is given a voucher and can choose a house, apartment, or mobile home which must meet Housing Quality Standards. The family's portion of the rent is based on income, and the subsidy is paid directly to the landlord.

In addition to the Housing Choice Voucher Program (rental assistance based on income), there are two other programs available to voucher holders, Family Self- Sufficiency and Homeownership. FSS includes an incentive plan that allows families to receive a bonus based on an increase in earned income and the completion of FSS goals. The Homeownership Program allows qualified families to purchase a home using their voucher.

These are the counties served and the email addresses for the caseworker assigned to each county:

Anderson, Roane, Morgan, and Loudon
Contact: Ashleigh Meade, ameade@ethra.org

Campbell, Scott, Hamblen, Jefferson, Claiborne, Grainger, and Hancock.
Contact: Houston Hardy, hhardy@ethra.org

Blount, Union, Sevier, Cocke, and Monroe.
Contact: Julie Dyer, jedyer@ethra.org

 Housing Pre-Application

If you are seeking assistance with the Housing Choice Voucher Program, then you should fill our Housing Pre-Application. This document will insure that you move through the process quickly!

When you complete the Pre-Application you can email it to Tina Kirk, tkirk@ethra.org or call 865-691-2551 EXT 4332 for information on mailing or dropping off the application in person.

DOWNLOAD HOUSING PRE-APPLICATION

Non-Discrimation Statement

The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program/Service Provider and is committed to the principles of Fair Housing.

Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.  If you believe your housing-related civil rights have been violated, you may file a complaint by calling the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's toll-free number (1-800-955-2232) or by e-mailing pihirc@firstpic.org.

You may also contact the Tennessee Civil Rights Commission by calling 1-800-251-3589.

If you are alleging a violation of HUD program regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status, please visit Hud Housing Discrimination .

For more information contact Steve Bandy, Title Vi and Equal Opportunity Officer by emailing sbandy@ethra.org.

Program Quick Stats