FAQ Sections

• CDBG
• First Time Home Buyers
• Section 8 Rental Assistance

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

• What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program?
  The CDBG Program is a federal grant program funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The monies provide a flexible funding source for local governments to use for community improvement projects, such as revitalization of neighborhoods, reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, and public facilities, as well as public service activities and affordable housing and economic development opportunities.
• How does the City receive CDBG Funds?
  The City is eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to automatically receive annual allocations of CDBG monies each year under the Grant Entitlement Program.
• What type of projects are eligible to receive CDBG funding?
  The Program offers a wide range of eligible activities, which gives local governments the flexibility to meet their community's needs. Some examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, acquisition of real property, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, provision of neighborhood facilities, code enforcement, and public works projects.
• What are some of the program requirements?
  A majority of funds must be spent on projects that benefit low/moderate income persons. Every project must meet one of the three national objectives and must satisfy an identified need.
• Who determines what projects will be funded each year?
  The City Administration makes recommendations to City Council on proposed projects and budget each year. City Council approves the final CDBG budget and projects at the City Council meeting in July of each year.

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 SHIP First Time Home Buyers Program FAQs

• How do I apply for the SHIP Program?
  Application is made through one of the participating lenders.
• Do I have to find a house in Escambia County?
  Yes. The house can be located anywhere within Escambia County/City of Pensacola.
• How does the program help me purchase a home?
  SHIP funds will provide down payment and closing cost assistance, up to $10,000, which is offered in the form of a forgivable loan.
• Does this program help me pay the monthly mortgage?
  No.
• Are there funds currently available under this program?
  Yes. To inquire about available funds, contact one of the participating lenders listed with this information. 
  
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 Section 8 Rental Assistance Program

• What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
  The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists eligible very low income families pay a portion of the rent to a private landlord.
• What are the eligibility guidelines to qualify for assistance?
  To place application for Section 8 rental assistance, families must meet the following requirements:
  1. qualify as a U.S. Citizen or legal residents of the U.S.;
  2. qualify as a "family";
  3. meet income guidelines based on family size;
  4. meet criminal background requirements;
  5. not owe money to any housing authority;
  6. not have been evicted from any unit under a federally assisted housing program.
• How much rent does the family pay?
  The family pays a portion of the rent based on 30% of the adjusted gross monthly income of the entire household.
• Will the housing agency pay all of my utilities?
  No. The family is responsible for paying their own utility bills and all utility deposits needed to start the utility services. The utilities must be in the head of household's name.

  Some families with very low income may be eligible for a monthly utility allowance.

• Where do families on the Section 8 Program live?
  Families may live anywhere within the City of Pensacola or Escambia County.
• What is the goal of the Section 8 program?
  The goal is to help families by paying a portion or all of their rent, while helping them to become self-sufficient through participation in the Family Self Sufficiency Program.
• How does a rental unit qualify under the program?
  The rental unit must be inspected by the Housing Department's Inspection Department and meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards; the unit must meet the family's needs based on household size; the rent must be within the program's rent range, be rent reasonable, and be within the family's income limitations.
• How do I find a rental unit?
  A list of landlords with available rental units will be provided to applicants at their eligibility briefing. Families are also encouraged to check the local newspapers, contact realty companies and apartment complexes to inquire about vacancies.
• How long will it take before I can move into a unit after I am given my voucher?
  Families receive their voucher when they attend their eligibility briefing. Once the voucher has been issued, it may take approximately 30 days to complete the entire process before a lease can be executed and the family can move into the unit.
• How will I know when I can move in?
  The Housing Department will advise the family when it is okay to move into a unit. The move-in date will be coordinated with both the family and the landlord.