Orientation & Briefing
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) will mail you a letter asking you to attend a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Orientation. Our letter will include a date and time for the orientation. If you do not speak or understand English, you may bring a translator with you to the orientation, or you may notify THA in advance and we will provide one.
During the orientation, a THA staff person will explain the HCV Program. You will learn about the program rules and regulations. You will also learn about your rights and responsibilities. You will get an appointment with a THA representative to review your information and determine if you are eligible to receive assistance. At that appointment, the representative will verify your annual household income and your citizenship status. THA will also check the criminal background of each member of the household 18 years of age or older. The Tacoma Police Department does the background checks.
If THA determines that you are eligible for assistance, you will receive a voucher. Once you receive your voucher, you will also get detailed instructions on how to use it to pay the rent on a house or apartment. You are responsible for finding a place to rent from a landlord willing to accept the voucher. THA can help. You can look up available housing units on our website, or come into the THA office for a listing of available units.
If THA determines that you are not eligible for the voucher program, you will receive a letter explaining THA’s decision. If you think THA’s decision is mistaken, you will have an opportunity to appeal. The letter will explain how you can do that.
HCV Briefing Course
Use this online training to learn about the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you are a person with a disability who may need a special accommodation in order to participate in and complete our briefing, please contact your housing specialist in advance of the briefing to make any necessary arrangements. Call 253-207-4400.
LEP
We want to make sure you understand all of the information presented in this briefing. If you need this briefing to be in your language please contact your housing specialist. We will try to find someone to read it to you in your language or make other arrangements to provide you with necessary language services. Call 253-207-4400.