Documents & Forms
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps households pay their rent by providing a “rent subsidy” directly to their landlord.
Each household receiving assistance pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income towards its housing costs. The Housing Voucher Program (Section 8) pays the balance of the rent to the landlord within certain limits.
Clay County HRA is currently only accepting applications for the following preference for our project-based program.
- Households applying for project-based rental assistance at Easten Townhomes in Moorhead. Our other project-based vouchers are all tied to homeless programs. If you believe you are eligible for one of these categories, please call 218-233-8883.
Effective August 4, 2025, the Clay County HRA will be opening its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list for the following preference:
- Families with children 18 years old or younger who are currently leasing a rental unit in Clay County that meet HCV requirements and agree to lease in place.
The waiting list will remain open until 500 applications are received or August 28, 2025, whichever occurs first. Applications for these preference households are available by going to applicant portals. Applications will also be available at Clay County HRA,116 Center Ave E, Dilworth, MN, or at the Family Service Center at 715 11th St North, Suite #201, Moorhead, MN. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to access services.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be of low income according to HUD criteria;
- Not been evicted from federally assisted housing within the past 5 years for drug related activity;
- Not currently engaged in the use of any illegal drugs;
- Not a current registered sex offender;
- Not been convicted of the production or manufacture of methamphetamine and;
- Not owe money to another public housing agency
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The FSS Program is an employment and savings incentive program for low-income families that have Housing Choice Vouchers. The object is to assist families in obtaining employment that will allow them to become self-sufficient (not dependent on welfare-assistance).
An escrow account is set up for you and as your family income increases, we will increase the amount we place into your escrow. This amount is available to you when you successfully complete the Contract of Participation and complete your goals.
Homeownership Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program makes it possible for families to use a Housing Voucher toward the purchase or expenses of homeownership. You must be either on our FSS Program or be elderly or disabled to participate. Homeownership is a huge commitment and is not for everyone. If you are thinking about homeownership and are eligible we can provide you the resources you need and help you throughout the homebuying process. With our Homeownership Program you can achieve the "American Dream".
Other Housing Choice Voucher Programs
The Clay County HRA also administers a number of specialty Housing Choice Vouchers including Mainstream Vouchers for people with a disability, Foster Youth Initiative for people exiting foster care, VASH for veterans experiencing homelessness, Emergency Housing Vouchers and Housing Stability Vouchers for households who experience domestic violence, are homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness. Most specialty voucher programs require a direct referral rather than an on-line application.