Brevard County Housing Authority programs.
When the waiting list is open, the Brevard County Housing Authority may be able to provide low income residents applications to various rental or housing programs. Not only will some of their programs offer subsidies for public or private accommodations, but education and training is also provided to tenants.
The local agency works closely with the Housing and Urban Development as well as private entities. Together they provide support to residents with a very low income. Clients of the organization include senior citizens, the working poor, disabled, and others.
The Brevard County Housing Authority Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program has a goal of providing rental assistance to very low income families with a source of income. The money is provided to local agencies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and this federal agency also sets all of the guidelines around who gets assistance and how much is paid out.
After a family locates housing to live in (whether an apartment, townhome, condominium, or house), if the client is enrolled into section 8 then the local public Brevard County housing authority (PHA) will enter into a lease agreement with the property owner. This document will cover rights and responsibilities, security deposits, move in dates, and all of the legal obligations of all parties. The tenant can move over time as well, so HUD allows mobility with the voucher.
Section 8 will pay for only a portion of the rent in Brevard County Florida. The client of the housing authority needs to also pay, and that amount will be up to 30% of their income. To qualify for a voucher, the person needs to qualify on the basis of citizenship or the eligible immigrant status of family members, have a total household income at or below HUD specified income limits, agree to collection of family financial and leasing information as provided in the section 8 consent forms, and agree to FSS (Family Self-Sufficiency).
After financial stability has been achieved, the HUD agency can provide information on buying a home in Brevard County. This after all is the long term goal of many section 8 beneficiaries. But the process of saving money, applying for a mortgage, and budgeting will take time.
Post-Purchase Counseling from Brevard County Housing Authority targets members of the public who are seeking information in regard to selling or refinancing a mortgage on their current homes. Housing Counselors work with these clients to determine the person's total financial readiness. They will then work toward prudent and feasible outcomes, and suggest the best possible solutions to meet clients’ individual needs.
A range of topics are covered by Housing Authority of Brevard County and Melbourne during the counseling sessions. There will be an assessment done of the borrower's current interest rate versus potential new rate, amortization schedules, the number of months it will take to recover closing costs, and information on how to apply more of the monthly payment toward principal balance.
Referrals to supportive services in Brevard County
The case managers at Brevard County Housing Authority have many partnerships in place that clients can use. When staying in one of their apartments, the following may also be given to them.
Adult Education offers the following classes, all focused on employment and education. If qualified, and have a pattern of attending, then bus passes and weekly stipends are provided for students who attend regularly. Sessions are held across Melbourne Florida.
College Prep Course is for GED Program graduates (see below). They are eligible to participate. It provides them with assistance and support during the college admissions process. The program also includes assistance with applying for loans or paying for college application fees and a portion of book expenses.
GED classes are for adults from Brevard County 18 years of age and older (or 17 years old with high school waiver). There is Orientation, ongoing classes, and of course the examination. The GED fee is paid by he agency.
Responsible Payee Services from partners of Brevard County Housing Authority deal with financial matters. This program's mission has been to act on the client's behalf, and most participants are seniors or the disabled who also rent their home. Staff will help them in managing and budgeting their monthly benefits or income. The staff consists of a Fiscal Manager and Coordinator who work directly with the beneficiaries and other service providers.
The service will also ensure that the client's benefit payments are used for paying for bills that are for basic needs or housing costs, as intended. The staff work directly with clients and other service providers in ensuring that the individual is motivated by the experience of living a more stable life to work toward long-term independent living.
The number of people that qualify for a Section 8 HUD voucher each year is very minimal. In fact, a lottery is often held even when the waiting list opens up. The application process can be very long, if not take years. For more information, the Housing Authority of Brevard County is based in Melbourne Florida, and phone number is (321) 775-1592. Another location is at 828 Stone Street in Cocoa Florida. That authorities phone number is (321) 636-8534.
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