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Chattanooga Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity Build Partnership

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - For the first time in either agency's history, the Chattanooga Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area Inc. have forged a partnership that allows current Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) participants to use their vouchers toward the purchase of a home. Previously, Section 8 clients who pursued homeownership through Habitat would have to relinquish their voucher assistance.

"This is just another great opportunity to help low to moderate income families make a smoother transition into homeownership," said Habitat's Executive Director Pete Palmer. "We put our heads together with CHA to create a way for Habitat clients who receive a Section 8 voucher to use that support to help with their mortgage."

Officials say the HCVP-Habitat clients must meet the homeownership requirements set forth by CHA and Habitat, which include completing homebuyer's education classes and contributing 350 "sweat equity" hours. Habitat then sells a home to the family with a zero interest mortgage.

"CHA then determines the maximum amount of voucher assistance the client is eligible to receive," said CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright. "Then, the voucher is applied toward the family's monthly mortgage payments. This assistance lasts for 10 years for most of our homeownership clients."

Since 2000, CHA has helped 21 Section 8 clients and public housing residents purchase homes.