The waiting list for housing choice vouchers through Central Missouri Community Action reopens April 1.
Section 8 housing choice vouchers are rent subsidies that help low-income individuals live in the residence of their choice.
CMCA operates the housing assistance program in Callaway County outside Fulton city limits. Inside Fulton, the voucher program is operated by the Fulton Housing Authority.
As of Tuesday, CMCA's voucher program was serving 277 families in Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage counties. New households receive vouchers every week.
For those on the waiting list that opens next week, it can take a year or less for qualifying families to receive vouchers. But for those in special circumstances, such as those experiencing homelessness, the wait time can be less.
"We have a regular list and a preference list," CMCA program officer Colita Harvey said. "The homeless - those sleeping in a shelter, in a vehicle, outside in a tent - can spend two months on the list."
Housing subsidies are paid directly to landlords by the Mid-Missouri Public Housing Agency on behalf of the participant. The family then pays the difference between the amount subsidized and the actual rent.
Under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rules, there is a maximum amount a voucher can cover based on the area and quality of the unit. The tenant's share of rent depends on income and shouldn't be more than 40 percent of their monthly income.
Single people and families can qualify for assistance.
Those interested in the program can pick up an application at the local CMCA office at 610 Collier Lane in Fulton. More information is available at cmca.us/get-help/housing/.