The Lancaster County Housing Authority received 3,291 applications for rental vouchers this week, Executive Director Justin Eby said.
They came in response to the authority opening its waiting list for vouchers for the first time since 2007. Applications were accepted via the authority’s online portal for four days, from 7:30 a.m. Monday until 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
In coming days, the authority will review the applications for eligibility and select 500 of them by random lottery to be placed on the waiting list. That process will start on Tuesday, Eby said, as the authority, an affiliate of county government, is closed on Monday for the Columbus Day holiday.
Housing Choice, also known as Section 8, is a federally funded program for low-income renters. Tenants use the vouchers to secure leases from private landlords. They pay a reduced rent, with funding through the voucher making up the difference.
