Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

Home Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

Section 8 Housing Assistance

Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc. has proudly provided affordable housing assistance in Scotland County for more than 30 years as the designated Public Housing Agency (PHA).

The mission of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, also known as Section 8, is “to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.”

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the result of decades of public housing legislation that began in the 1930s and evolved to better serve families and communities. The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 established the Section 8 Program, allowing federal housing assistance payments to be made directly to private landlords on behalf of eligible low-income individuals and families.

Who the Program Serves

The Housing Choice Voucher Program assists eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Scotland County.

Eligibility is based on household income and family size, in accordance with federal guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How the Housing Choice Voucher Works

The HCV Program provides rental assistance for privately owned housing units. Participants are responsible for paying a portion of their monthly adjusted income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remaining approved amount directly to the landlord.

This structure allows families to:

  • Choose housing in the private rental market
  • Access safe and sanitary housing that meets Housing Quality Standards
  • Maintain stability while working toward long-term goals

All assisted units must meet federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to ensure families live in safe and decent housing conditions.

Housing Options Available Through SCAP

SCAP administers three types of housing assistance:

  • Tenant-Based Housing Choice Vouchers– Participants may select housing in the private market.
  • Project-Based Housing Vouchers– Assistance is tied to specific properties.
  • HCV Homeownership Program– Eligible participants may use voucher assistance toward homeownership expenses.

Each program is designed to expand access to affordable housing while promoting long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.

A Whole-Family Approach to Stability

At SCAP, housing is not just about shelter; it’s about creating a foundation for opportunity.

Stable housing allows families to focus on employment, education, financial growth, and overall well-being. As part of a comprehensive Community Action Agency, SCAP connects participating families to additional supportive services, including:

  • Head Start and Early Head Startprograms for early childhood education and school readiness
  • Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)programs that support employment, education, financial literacy, and self-sufficiency
  • Referrals to other community-based resources

By addressing housing stability alongside education and economic mobility, SCAP works to strengthen the entire family unit.

Waiting List Information

Housing assistance is subject to funding availability. Interested applicants must apply and be placed on the HCV waiting list.

Please check our Waiting List page for current status updates and application information.

Fair Housing Commitment

SCAP administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program in accordance with all federal Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class under applicable law.