Fresno Housing accepting online applications for Housing Choice Voucher Interest List

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the first time in four years, Fresno Housing opened applications for its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program list.

On Thursday, the line to apply was wrapped around the building.

The federally-funded program provides rental assistance to about 13,000 eligible low-income residents in Fresno County, helping them with their basic needs for safe and quality housing.

For individuals like Joel Ortiz Devillate this program, commonly known as Section 8, is necessary.

"Worrying about how I am going to pay my bill today - how I'm going to pay my bill today, how am I going to do this, going to do that. I don't want to end up homeless," Devillate said.

It's meant to help low-income individuals and families afford safe, quality housing.

Homelessness in the Central Valley is a problem.

According to the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care, more than 4,200 people experienced homelessness in Fresno and Madera County in February of last year.

Mother and daughter, Terri and Aubrey Thomas, are on a limited income.

They've been homeless for the last four years. In 2019, they applied but were eventually denied.

Now they are re-apply for a housing voucher with high hopes.

"We are trying again - God will see - he has a plan, we don't know what it is yet, but he has a plan for us," Thomas said. "You don't realize how much you miss a bathroom or a shower every other day at least."

Tyrone Roderick Williams, Fresno Housing CEO, said they are hoping to tackle these problems head-on.

"We know that we are in the middle of a housing crisis and Fresno housing. We are doing everything we can to provide a wide range of housing options."

If you're interested in receiving a voucher, officials encourage you to avoid the lines and submit online.

But you must have a valid email address before you can access the online application.

The voucher program chief, Brandi Woodard, said the majority of the renting population in Fresno County is paying far more than 30 percent of their income, so programs like the housing choice voucher are important.

"We know that affordable housing is at a premium - we are working as hard as we can with what we have to help as many people as we possibly can," said Woodard.

Eligible residents can apply for a voucher now until July 14 at 5 pm.

As vouchers become available, applications will be selected at random using a lottery system.

It is not a first come, first served process.

Those who add their names to the list are not guaranteed housing.

There's no fee to apply.

If you are interested, visit Fresno Housing's website.

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