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NMHC helps over 400 families needing housing assistance
Over 400 families or individuals across the CNMI are currently availing of Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s voucher program, which allows them to have a roof over their heads.
Of its two voucher programs, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program can be availed of by those who are at the poverty threshold, based on the United States poverty chart.
It also allows a family or individual to seek out private landlords and pay only 20 percent of their rent every month. The voucher will only be legitimate if the landlord is registered with the housing agency.
The Multi-Family Voucher Program, on the other hand, houses families or individuals in homes that are owned by the housing agency. The family or individual will live in these homes rent-free, provided they follow all the rules and regulations of the agency.
According to data acquired from the agency, as of January 2018, there are currently 296 individuals or families under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and 114 families or individuals under the Multi-Family Voucher Program.
For the Multi-Family Voucher Program, there are currently 48 families or individuals residing in Mihaville in Garapan, 33 families or individuals at the Koblerville Estate, 19 families on Tinian, and 14 families on Rota.
Both voucher programs are allotted an average of $1.3 million each year, based on the occupancy rate.
Besides assisting families with their housing needs, NMHC is also in charge of the distribution of the Emergency Solutions Grant, which it implements with the Karidat Social Services. Together they were able to provide housing assistance to 45 individuals in fiscal year 2017.
The agency has also provided a total of 300 household assistance since 2007 under their House Program. This program provides loans to build, purchase, or rehabilitate a home.
