01/23/2026
Did you know this?
Housing Choice Voucher - Homeownership Program
Many people are familiar with the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 😎 as a rental assistance program, but few know that it can also support homeownership. It is a valuable resource that helps eligible families move from renting to owning a home. Western Piedmont Council of Governments’ Regional Housing Authority (RHA) offers the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. The program allows eligible families to use their Housing Choice Voucher to help purchase a home, providing a pathway from renter to homeowner.
Currently, the RHA has 17 participants enrolled in the homeownership program. In 2025, three families successfully purchased their first homes.
What Is the Section 8 Homeownership Program?
Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program is an extension of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Instead of applying the voucher toward rental assistance, participants may use it to help cover monthly homeownership expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.
How It Works
Once approved, the RHA pays a portion of the monthly homeownership costs directly to the mortgage lender. The homeowner pays the remaining amount based on their income, in the same way rental assistance works under a Housing Choice Voucher.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone who:
• Is currently participating in the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Meets minimum income and employment requirements
• Has completed a HUD-approved homeownership counseling
• Demonstrates readiness for homeownership, including credit and rental history
• Meets first-time homebuyer criteria
* Not all PHAs offer the homeownership option.
Why It Matters
The Section 8 Homeownership Program promotes long-term stability by helping families:
• Build equity instead of paying rent
• Strengthen financial literacy through required counseling
• Achieve greater housing security
• Invest in their communities
For many participants, the program represents an important step toward economic independence.
Key Considerations
While the benefits are significant, homeownership also brings responsibilities such as maintenance and repairs. In addition, assistance may only be available for a limited time for some households and finding an affordable home that meets program standards can be challenging.
For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, contact Kaleigh Reinhardt at 828 485 4234 or [email protected].
Article by Kaleigh Reinhardt, Housing Specialist
