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The Section 8 Rental Assistance Program was enacted as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which re-codified the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. The Act has been amended from time to time, including the important Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA) and its requirements, including subsequent HUD instructions as they apply to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The provisions and processes for the Section 8 HCV Program are described in and implemented through the Housing Authority Section 8 Administrative Plan.
The Housing Authority administers approximately 7,000 units under the Housing Choice Voucher & Shelter Care Plus Programs. This enables us to provide housing and rental assistance to low-income individuals and families. The Housing Authority administers programs and services in the ninth most populous county in California, with its population reaching approximately 930,000 as of January 1, 2000. The Housing Authority's jurisdiction covers about 733 square miles. The western and northern shorelines are highly industrialized, while the interior sections are suburban/residential, commercial and light industrial. However, the City of Richmond and the City of Pittsburg administer their own respective Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Programs.
This variability of regions translates into an enormous challenge in the effective administration of the voucher program. Reducing the geographic isolation of low-income families is one of the key objectives of the HACCC. By identifying key geographic regions we are establishing multiple payment standards thereby promoting tenant mobility and beginning de-concentration of tenant-based assistance in some of our concentrated lower income areas.
Flexibility in establishing exception payment standards consistent with the changing rental market is crucial in both minimizing the financial and administrative impact to the Housing Authority, and more importantly provides stability for families trying to move out of poverty areas. We believe that good neighborhoods can positively influence the employment, income, educational achievement, and social well-being of low-income families.
For your information the Housing Authority provides both a Landlord Handbook and Family Handbook. The Landlord Handbook provides prospective and current landlords with information concerning the Housing Choice Voucher program from the rental listing process the HQS Inspection and lease. The Family Handbook provides participants with information concerning program compliance finding suitable housing and other required activities required to continue to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Additionally, the Housing Authority also has an Admin Plan policy handbook which explains our procedures that are applied in operating the program.
Attention Landlords:
The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa provides a Rental Referral Listing. If you are a landlord interested in the program and have an available unit, you can go to the opening Home Page of www.contracostahousing.org, click on “Submit rental info online” near the bottom of the page, and fill out the questionnaire for a free two-week listing online. If more time is needed for your listing, just repeat the process.
