Housing Choice Voucher Program
About the program
Generally, you pay 30% of your adjusted income toward your housing expenses and we pay the difference up to your eligible standard, also referred to as the voucher payment standard.
If you choose to rent a unit where the rent plus an allowance for tenant-paid utilities is greater than your voucher payment standard, you will have to pay a higher portion of your adjusted income, not to exceed 40% of your income.
One of our housing specialists will determine the rent amount that you will pay by considering factors such as assets, income, deductions and housing expenses.
We are required to verify all your assets, income and deductions with your banks, employer, child support agency, childcare provider, medical provider, etc.
Once your share of the rent has been determined, your unit passes a housing quality inspection and a lease has been submitted, we will make a rental payment directly to your landlord each month. You will also pay your portion directly to the landlord.
There are two types of vouchers available through the Brown County Housing Authority:
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Project-Based Voucher Program
Project-Based units are specific units in Brown County that have a voucher assigned to them. You receive rental assistance because you live in a unit with a Project-Based Voucher.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Who is eligible?
Brown County residents qualify for housing assistance based on income and household size.
To be eligible, your income needs to be at or less than:
- 1 person: $37,450
- 2 people: $42,800
- 3 people: $48,150
- 4 people: $53,500
- 5 people: $57,800
- 6 people: $62,050
- 7 people: $66,350
- 8 people: $70,650
Application priority is as follows:
- Elderly (62 or older), disabled, homeless or veterans living in Brown County
- Households with children living in Brown County
- Other Brown County residents not in the categories above
- Those who do not live or work in Brown County
How do I apply?
1. A signed and completed preliminary application.
You may stop by our office to pick up a preliminary application or download one below:
• Preliminary Application in English
• Solicitud Preliminar en Español
2. Verification of the legal identity/date of birth for all household members Acceptable forms of documentation include any of the following:
• Driver’s license
• State ID
• Birth certificate
• Permanent resident card
• Naturalization papers
• United States passport
Hospital birth announcements are not acceptable forms of verification.
3. Verification of social security numbers for all household members
This must be your original Social Security Administration-issued document containing the name and social security number.
4. Proof of Brown County residence (if claiming that preference)
Acceptable forms of documentation include two of the following documents from two different sources:
• Current, valid driver’s license or state-issued ID
• Lease signed by all adult parties that includes current address and lease terms
• Utility (gas, electric, water, cable or telephone) bill dated within last 30 days
• Credit card statement dated within the last 30 days
• Employment check stub dated within the last 30 days
• Postal mail from the Social Security Administration
• Unemployment benefits letter
• Letter from a social service organization
• Bank statement from your financial institution
• Educational or school record
• Voter registration record
• Auto or renter’s insurance policy
• Vehicle registration
The address on your proof of residence documents must match the address where you live.
5. Proof of your preference, if applicable
• If displaced due to a natural disaster or government action, a statement from a government agency or service agency such as city officials or the Red Cross.
• If homeless, certification from a local social service agency
• If a veteran, a copy of Form DD214 or service discharge paperwork
• If disabled a copy of your original Social Security (SS) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit award letter
Completed applications and documentation can be brought to our office at 417 S. Monroe Ave, Suite 102; Green Bay, WI 54301 or emailed to info@bchousingauthority.org. Emailed applications must be in PDF format. No photos or images of forms or documentation will be accepted.
Frequently asked questions
How does the program work?
Typically, you will pay 30% of your gross income toward your gross housing expenses (rent + utilities). BCHA will pay the difference up to the Voucher Payment Standard for your family size. If your gross housing expenses for your unit are more than the Voucher Payment Standard, you may be required to pay more than 30% but the housing authority will not allow you to pay more than 40% of your gross income toward your housing expenses.
Your portion of the rent will be determined by your housing specialist after they receive the unit information from your landlord. Your amount will be determined by your assets, income, deductions, and housing expenses. We will use documents from your bank, employer, child support, and social security to determine your portion of the rent.
Once your share of the rent has been determined, and your unit passes an inspection, you will sign a lease with your landlord, and BCHA will begin making monthly rental payments directly to your landlord. You will also pay your portion of rent directly to your landlord.
How do I find a landlord who accepts the assistance?
BCHA can provide a limited list of landlords who are currently accepting rental assistance. This is not a list of specific units, but a resource of landlords in the area. We also encourage participants to use resources provided by other service agencies as well as apartment rental websites. BCHA also provides a Rental Readiness packet that can help you when communicating with potential landlords. The packet helps guide you to ask the right questions and provides worksheets so you are prepared to answer questions the landlords may have. BCHA encourages you to be diligent when speaking with landlords to avoid any scams.
Does the HCV program help with security deposits?
No, the BCHA is not funded to help cover security deposits. Your specialist may be able to refer you to other agencies that can help.
I’ve applied. What happens next?
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be placed on the waiting list in order of date and time received. You will receive a notification letter when your name is placed on the waiting list.
Once your application is submitted, you must notify Brown County Housing Authority of a change in income, mailing address or change in household members using the forms below:
I have questions about this program, who can I contact?
If you have any questions, you can reach out to us at info@bchousingauthority.org.