Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, also known as Section 8, helps eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. Participants pay a portion of their income toward rent, and the Housing Authority pays the remaining subsidy directly to the landlord. The program allows families to choose housing that meets their needs, as long as the unit meets program requirements and the landlord agrees to participate.
Project-Based Section 8 Program
The Project-Based Section 8 Program provides affordable rental housing by attaching rental assistance to specific units rather than to the household. Pittsfield Housing Authority administers 19 Project-Based Section 8 units at the Summer Residences, located on Summer Street in Pittsfield. Residents pay a portion of their income toward rent, and the remaining balance is subsidized through the program. Assistance remains with the unit, so if a household moves, the subsidy does not transfer to another location. After one year of residency in the Project-Based program, a tenant in good standing may choose to opt out of the program and have their application placed at the top of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) mobile waitlist.
Public Housing Program
The Public Housing Program provides safe, decent, and affordable rental housing to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Pittsfield Housing Authority operates both Federal and State public housing programs. Applicants apply to the program rather than to a specific property. When an applicant is selected from the waiting list, they are offered the next available unit that meets their household size and eligibility, in accordance with Housing Authority policies.