Denison Housing Authority (DHA) is a public housing agency that aims to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. The authority was established in 1964 and has been serving the community of Denison, Texas, for over 50 years. DHA is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and operates under the guidance of a board of commissioners appointed by the mayor of Denison.
DHA operates several affordable housing programs, including the Public Housing Program, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The authority also manages several affordable housing properties throughout Denison, including apartment complexes and single-family homes.
The Public Housing Program
The Public Housing Program is a federally-funded program that provides affordable housing to low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. DHA owns and operates several public housing properties throughout Denison, including the Heritage Row Apartments, the Martin Luther King Jr. Homes, and the Westwood Apartments.
To be eligible for the Public Housing Program, applicants must meet certain income requirements and pass a background check. Rent is based on the family’s income and is generally 30% of their adjusted gross income. DHA also offers several amenities to its public housing residents, including community rooms, playgrounds, and laundry facilities.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally-funded program that provides rental assistance to low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. DHA administers the Section 8 program in Denison and works with landlords throughout the community to provide affordable housing options for voucher holders.
To be eligible for the Section 8 program, applicants must meet certain income requirements and pass a background check. Once approved, voucher holders are free to choose any housing unit that meets HUD’s minimum housing quality standards. DHA then pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the voucher holder.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a voluntary program that helps families participating in the Public Housing Program or the Section 8 program achieve economic self-sufficiency. The program provides job training, educational assistance, and financial planning services to help families increase their income and reduce their reliance on government assistance.
Participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program sign a five-year contract with DHA and work with a case manager to set goals and develop a plan for achieving economic self-sufficiency. As participants increase their income, DHA sets aside a portion of their rent in an escrow account. Once the participant successfully completes the program, they receive the funds in the escrow account as a lump sum payment.
DHA Properties
DHA manages several affordable housing properties throughout Denison, including apartment complexes and single-family homes. The authority’s properties include:
Property | Description |
---|---|
Heritage Row Apartments | A 40-unit apartment complex for families and elderly individuals. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Homes | A 100-unit public housing complex for families and elderly individuals. |
Westwood Apartments | A 40-unit apartment complex for families and elderly individuals. |
DHA’s properties provide affordable housing options for low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals in Denison. The authority also offers several amenities to its residents, including community rooms, playgrounds, and laundry facilities.
How to Apply for DHA’s Programs
To apply for DHA’s programs, interested individuals must complete an application and provide documentation of their income and household size. Applications are available on DHA’s website and at the authority’s main office located at 1201 South Armstrong Avenue in Denison.
Once an application is submitted, DHA will review the information and determine if the applicant is eligible for any of the authority’s programs. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status within 10 business days of submitting their application.
FAQs
What is the income limit for DHA’s programs?
The income limit for DHA’s programs varies depending on the program and the household size. To be eligible for the Public Housing Program, the household’s income cannot exceed 80% of the area median income. To be eligible for the Section 8 program, the household’s income cannot exceed 50% of the area median income.
What is the waiting period for DHA’s programs?
The waiting period for DHA’s programs varies depending on the program and the availability of funding. The waiting period for the Public Housing Program can range from a few weeks to several months. The waiting period for the Section 8 program can range from several months to several years.
Can I choose my own housing unit with the Section 8 program?
Yes, once approved for the Section 8 program, voucher holders are free to choose any housing unit that meets HUD’s minimum housing quality standards. DHA then pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the voucher holder.
Conclusion
Denison Housing Authority provides affordable housing solutions for low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals in Denison, Texas. The authority operates several affordable housing programs, including the Public Housing Program, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. DHA also manages several affordable housing properties throughout Denison, including apartment complexes and single-family homes. To apply for DHA’s programs, interested individuals must complete an application and provide documentation of their income and household size.