Chatham County is calling on residents to step up and help shape the future of housing in their community. In a move to ensure that the Chatham County Housing Authority (CCHA) remains in tune with the needs and aspirations of the county's residents, the authority is seeking applications from individuals interested in joining its Board as a member. According to an announcement on the Chatham County website, applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside within the limits of Chatham County. Jenifer Johnson, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 919-542-8200, stands ready to provide assistance with obtaining a printed application for those unable to access the online version.
The deadline for submitting applications is no distant event—it's set for Thursday, May 1, at precisely 5:00 p.m. The CCHA Board is a vital agent of the county, comprising five appointed members who serve five-year terms on a voluntary basis. Meetings are held monthly in the Siler City office, where the Board oversees functions integral to providing housing assistance and fosters programs aimed at elevating the independence and living standards of its beneficiaries. Among the valued members is at least one individual who has reaped the direct benefits of the authority's assistance programs.
As detailed by the Chatham County's announcement, the CCHA's oversight extends to a range of programs designed to empower specific sectors of the population. These include the Housing Choice Voucher Program—also known as Section 8—that enables very low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals to find housing that encompasses all that is decent, safe, and sanitary in the private market. The Board plays a crucial role, reviewing and approving budgets for HUD submissions, and ensuring that federal funds go towards assisting eligible residents with their rental payments.
Special program vouchers such as Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) vouchers solely cater to eligible non-elderly disabled families, thereby impacting positive change in their capacity to locate and afford private housing. Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities provides rental aid and supportive services to households headed by adults with disabilities, conveying the opportunity for improved living conditions. Programs like the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) and Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) demonstrate CCHA's commitment to elevate the well-being of veterans in need and assist families in reaching a state of self-sufficiency through gainful employment and financial autonomy. For those interested in contributing to these multifaceted housing initiatives and more, the call has been issued, and the opportunity to serve awaits.
