The housing choice voucher program, formerly known as section 8, received more than 4,000 applications. Now in the midst of COVID-19, 3,500 families will still make it onto the waitlist, but the process will look a little different.

Families can see their application status on the Housing Choice Voucher website. Once a family makes it to the top of the list, they will be sent a congratulations letter, their eligibility will be determined and they will pick up their packet.

Housing Choice Voucher Program Supervisor La’Shonda Hamilton says most of the process is the same but due to coronavirus, they will be moving toward a digital approach.

"What we’re doing is we are actually in the works of creating the online briefing session. We will talk about online requirements that a family will need to know when they’re on a housing choice voucher program," said Hamilton.

She says mailing paperwork instead of an online or in-person briefing, would be a disservice to recipients as a misunderstanding could lead to missed opportunities.

“We want to make sure you understand the rules and the regulations that’s associate with the voucher so you don’t end up losing the voucher," said Hamilton.

For families who do not have access to internet, they say they’ll make adjustments to ensure they are briefed.