Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, previously known as the Section 8 program, is a government service provided free of charge. As vouchers become available, Arkansas County Housing Authority (ACHA) pulls names from the waiting list and screens them for program eligibility.

Families who meet the income guidelines and pass a criminal background check are issued a voucher. The voucher allows them to have a portion of their rent paid by ACHA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

ACHA conducts criminal background checks on all families and individuals 18 years of age or older. Members of an applicant household must pass a criminal background check and meet income guidelines before they are issued vouchers. Property owners should implement and carry out their own screening process for all prospective tenants regardless of whether or not they are Voucher holders.