Program to Offer Aid to Low-Income Tenants

For the first time since 1994, the Culver City Housing Agency will accept new applications for a federally funded rental assistance program for low-income tenants, city officials said Thursday.

Applications for the program, known as Section 8 housing, can be ordered by phone or picked up at two city locations from Jan. 5 to Jan. 23, said city housing administrator Steve Wagner.

Applications must be submitted by mail, and housing officials will process the applications Feb. 2 to Feb. 23. Those who line up to receive an application on the first day they are available will have no advantage over those who order one by phone, Wagner said.

To be eligible for Section 8 rental assistance, annual income cannot exceed $17,950 for a one-person household, $20,500 for two, $23,100 for three, $25,50 for four, $27,700 for five or $29,750 for six.

Preference for assistance is given to those paying more than 50% of their income for rent, those who are involuntarily displaced and those living in substandard housing. Priority also is given to veterans and those who already live or work in Culver City.

Wagner said 320 households in Culver City receive Section 8 assistance. There are 800 people on the waiting list, and the wait is expected to take two to seven years.

Applications will be available at City Hall, 9770 Culver Blvd., and Culver City Senior Citizens Center, 4153 Overland Ave. To order by phone: (310) 253-5781.