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NMHC asks for HUD aid to help typhoon Chaba victims
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Posted on Sep 17 2004
The Northern Marianas Housing Corp. has requested for federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for emergency housing assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Once this request is granted, eligible individuals and families whose homes have been destroyed by Supertyphoon Chaba could receive housing benefits under the program, which allows low-income families to choose safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family’s choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by NMHC pursuant to HUD regulations.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by NMHC on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
NMHC has already interviewed 110 applicants for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and is still accepting more applicants. Interested qualified individuals or families may visit the agency’s office in Garapan, or call 234-6866, 234-9447, or 234-7670 for information on how to apply.
During the application process, NMHC will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. This information will then be verified with other local agencies, employer, bank, and the information will be used to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
If NMHC determines that a family is eligible, they will be contacted and issued a housing voucher.
