Voucher program helps those in need pay rent

Mesa residents needing help paying their rent have some glimmer of hope. In January, Mesa's Housing Authority will start accepting applications from those interested in getting on the waiting list for a rental subsidy voucher program.

The federal program is targeted at low-income families or individuals who need help paying their rent. It compensates for the difference between what a person or family can afford to pay for rent and the actual rent established for a particular living space.

The voucher helps qualifying residents pay rent on an apartment unit, a single-family home or a mobile home if all other requirements are met.

Carolyn Olson, director of Mesa's Housing and Revitalization Department, said the city expects to receive a huge number of applications this time, given the exponential increase in home foreclosures.

"It'll be larger than usual," Olson said. "Families that would most likely never have applied in the past are likely to apply."

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the program, but designated local agencies to deal with the applications.

Municipalities have a set number of vouchers that can be given to residents. Remaining qualifying applicants are kept on a waiting list, from which residents are selected on a first-come, first-served basis when a family or an individual stops using their voucher.

Mesa currently has 1,522 housing vouchers and another 350 names on its waiting list.

Olson said the city is opening the waiting list and accepting more names to gauge the need in the city.

The waiting list is being opened indefinitely. If the demand for rental assistance is high, Mesa can make a case to the federal authorities for more vouchers.

At present, the program's value stands at about $10 million a year, which goes directly to local landlords.

Residents have to fall within the income limit, and other criteria such as household numbers are used to determine who qualifies for assistance.

Mesa officials will be passing on information about the program through city events, newspaper advertising, local nonprofits and on the city's Web site at www.mesaaz.gov.

Applications and required documents can be picked up from Mesa's Housing Authority at 415 N. Pasadena starting Jan. 7. Applications also will be available online. For more information, call (480) 644-3536.