Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington (BHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, to provide low-income households with the opportunity to secure affordable housing in the private market. This program empowers families and individuals to choose from a wide variety of housing options, enabling families to find a home that best suits their needs.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington (BHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, to provide low-income households with the opportunity to secure affordable housing in the private market. This program empowers families and individuals to choose from a wide variety of housing options, enabling families to find a home that best suits their needs.
THE HCV Wait List is CLOSED.
Current Wait List Applicants will not be issued vouchers until further notice (Last updated 01/02/2026)
Please be advised of the following changes in BHA's Portability Requirements:
- If you wish to PORT TO BHA please notify your current Housing Authority that we are BILLING.
- If you wish to PORT OUT of BHA, only requests to port to another Housing Authority that is ABSORBING vouchers will be approved due to a shortfall in BHA Funding.
- This notice has been extended through 2026.
Please contact your HCV Specialist if you have questions.
Benefits of Housing Choice Voucher
Affordability
The HCV program makes housing more accessible by ensuring that rent payments are manageable. Tenants contribute 30% to 40% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent at move-in, while the Housing Authority covers the balance.
Flexibility and Choice
Participants in the HCV program have the flexibility to choose their housing from the private rental market. This means they can find a home that meets their preferences and needs, whether it’s close to work, schools, or other important activities.
Security and Stability
With the Housing Authority’s rental payments, tenants and landlords alike can enjoy the security of a stable housing arrangement. This stability helps build stronger communities and supports long-term residency.
Supportive Services
BHA offers additional resources and support to HCV participants, ensuring they have the tools and assistance they need to maintain successful tenancies and achieve greater financial stability.
0+
total households
0%
female head of household
$12,024
median household income
Safe and Affordable Housing That Fits Your Budget and Lifestyle
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is designed to make affordable housing accessible to you. Payment Standards are an essential part of this process, ensuring that rental assistance is aligned with the local cost of living. Based on HUD’s Fair Market Rents (FMR), these standards reflect the cost of rental units in McLean County, including utilities. Currently, McLean County’s Payment Standards are set at 110% of HUD’s 2024 FMR to better match local market rates.
Payment Standards serve as a crucial starting point in determining how much a family can rent because help ensure that their housing expenses stay manageable, giving them the flexibility to find a home that suits both their budget and lifestyle.
Below is the current Payment Standards Listing for McLean County effective January 2026.
- 1 Bedroom: $999
- 2 Bedrooms: $1302
- 3 Bedrooms: $1717
- 4 Bedrooms: $1724
Frequently Asked Questions
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER DEPARTMENT
SHELLI GARLAND
HCV Specialist
Last Names: A - G
shellig@bloomingtonha.com
COURTNEE WARFIELD
HCV Specialist
Last Names: H - Q
courtneew@bloomingtonha.com
JORGE OVALLE
HCV Director
Last Names: R - Z
jorgeo@bloomingtonha.com
JOHN LANGLOIS
HCV Inspector
johnl@bloomingtonha.com