Beyond Bending Tell You How
The Stevens Point Housing Authority (SPHA) is a government agency that provides affordable housing options for low-income families in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The agency was established in 1971 under the United States Housing Act of 1937, which aimed to create safe and decent living environments for low-income individuals and families.
SPHA operates under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is responsible for managing and maintaining affordable housing units in the city of Stevens Point. The agency is committed to providing affordable housing options that meet the needs of low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements for SPHA Housing Programs
SPHA offers several housing programs to eligible low-income families in Stevens Point. The eligibility criteria for each program vary, but generally, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Applicants must have a household income that is at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). The AMI varies based on the size of the household and the location of the housing unit.
- Residency: Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of the United States.
- Criminal Background: Applicants must have a clean criminal background. SPHA performs a criminal background check on all applicants.
- Credit History: Applicants must have a satisfactory credit history. SPHA performs a credit check on all applicants.
SPHA offers the following housing programs to eligible low-income families:
Public Housing Program
The Public Housing Program is a federally-funded program that provides affordable housing options for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. SPHA manages several public housing developments throughout Stevens Point, including:
| Development Name | Number of Units |
|---|---|
| Belmont Apartments | 90 |
| Elmwood Apartments | 50 |
| Heritage Apartments | 50 |
| Pinehaven Apartments | 60 |
Applicants for the Public Housing Program must submit an application to SPHA and meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. SPHA assigns housing units based on the family size, income, and other factors. Rent for public housing units is calculated based on the family’s income and is typically 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, is a federally-funded program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families. The program allows families to choose housing units in the private market and receive a subsidy to help pay for the rent. SPHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Stevens Point and currently serves over 400 families.
To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined above and must also have a household income that is at or below 50% of the area median income. Applicants can apply for the program online, and if approved, they will receive a voucher that they can use to search for housing units in the private market.
Once a family finds a suitable housing unit, SPHA will inspect the property to ensure that it meets HUD’s housing quality standards. If the unit passes inspection, the family can move in and pay rent based on their income. The Housing Choice Voucher Program pays the difference between the family’s rent and 30% of their adjusted gross income.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program that helps families receiving housing assistance to become self-sufficient. The program provides education, job training, and other supportive services to help families increase their earnings and reduce their reliance on public assistance.
Participants in the FSS Program sign a five-year contract with SPHA, which outlines the goals and objectives that the family will work towards during the program. As the family’s income increases, a portion of their rent subsidy is deposited into an escrow account. If the family successfully completes the program, they can use the funds in the escrow account to help achieve their goals, such as purchasing a home or paying off debt.
SPHA’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
SPHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing options for low-income families in Stevens Point. The agency works closely with HUD and other community organizations to ensure that its residents have access to supportive services and resources that can help them achieve self-sufficiency.
SPHA also recognizes the importance of maintaining its housing units in good condition to ensure the health and safety of its residents. The agency has implemented several initiatives to improve the quality of its housing units, including energy efficiency upgrades and maintenance improvements.
SPHA’s commitment to affordable housing has made a significant impact on the lives of low-income families in Stevens Point. The agency’s programs have helped families to secure stable housing, increase their income, and achieve self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
The Stevens Point Housing Authority is an essential resource for low-income families in Stevens Point. The agency’s commitment to affordable housing and supportive services has helped families to secure stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency. If you are a low-income family in need of affordable housing, we encourage you to explore the housing programs offered by SPHA and to contact their office for more information.
Meta Description:
Learn about the Stevens Point Housing Authority and the affordable housing options it provides for low-income families in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Find out about the eligibility requirements for SPHA’s housing programs and how the agency is committed to improving the quality of its housing units.
Meta Keywords:
Stevens Point Housing Authority, affordable housing, low-income families, public housing program, housing choice voucher program, family self-sufficiency program
