Pulaski County subsidies pay rent for almost 500 tenants
The lion’s share of rental assistance funding received by Pulaski County, Missouri agencies are applied to the monthly rent on behalf of lower income families. These federal subsidies provide permanent rent reductions for participating households.
There are two primary offices that disburse federal funds under the Section 8 program. Funds are disbursed in the form of housing choice vouchers, which are redeemed by participating private landlords that own eligible properties within Pulaski County.
Pulaski County Housing Authority
The PCHA administers a total of 394 Housing Choice Vouchers. These vouchers allow for a substantial portion of the monthly rent to be paid on behalf of the tenant by the housing authority.
Once accepted into the Housing Choice Voucher Program, a participant may select any rental property listed within the county that meets the requirements for cost, cleanliness and safety. Landlords must agree to accept the vouchers as a portion of the rent. Due to concerns about personal responsibility, property damage and cleanliness, some landlords choose not to participate. Still, there are many that do, since they are guaranteed to receive most of the rent through PCHA every month, even if the tenant fails to pay on time.
Subsidies are quite generous, with tenants generally paying no more than 30% of their monthly income towards rent. The county portion often totals more than the tenant’s responsibility.
While the program sounds good, it is also very difficult to be selected for the few vacancies that open each year. Three times as many applicants are on the waiting list as are actually receiving subsidized rent. With turnover totalling barely over 10% per year, it could easily take several years to move to the top of the waiting list. Changes in personal situations can also cause applicants to move up, down or off of the list. Those who would like information on applying and getting added to the waiting list should call PCHA at 573-765-3263. The waiting list only opens up periodically.
PCHA also provides 93 opportunities for subsidized rent at the public housing projects it administers. The waiting list is fairly short, but the demand is also much leaner. Many families shun the reduced rent housing projects for a variety of personal reasons. Inquiries about public housing may be directed to 573-765-3448.
Missouri Ozarks Community Action
MOCA also administers housing choice vouchers for Pulaski County. These vouchers are very high in demand.
MOCA utilizes an approach that helps those who might otherwise be homeless to find better opportunities for stabilize their living situation. Emergency housing often leads to transitional opportunities through its Shelter Plus Care program. Rental assistance can be provided to help families deal with rent emergencies. Due to limited funding, approved requests are generally restricted to families with at least one disabled family member. Call 573-765-4509 to request more information or to schedule an appointment with a MOCA case manager.
These two agencies provide the bulk of grant-based rental assistance to Pulaski County.
Loan Options
Working families who can afford to repay small loans may find that the low interest charged by area credit unions will be cheaper than the costs associated with an eviction. These institutions provide possible loan products for this purpose.
- Mid Missouri Credit Union has an open membership policy to all Pulaski County residents. Personal loan rates were just 8.99% APR at press time, making this one of the cheapest options available. Call 573-774-3200 for Waynesville or 573-329-3191 for Fort Leonard Wood.
- Navy Federal Credit Union also provides solid options, but membership is limited to those with a direct link to the Department of Defense. Call 888-842-6328 to find out more about joining and loan options.
Security Bank of Pulaski County is a for profit institution that also provides possible loans. Call 573-774-6417 for the Waynesville branch.