The Pasadena Community Development Commission administers the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, a federally- funded program which assists very low income households obtain affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The assistance is in the form of a rental certificate or voucher which is issued to an eligible household. The household is responsible for locating a suitable rental unit within the city that meets its needs. The program makes monthly housing assistance payments to the property owner who leases the rental unit to the assisted household. The assistance payments make up the difference between what a very low income household can afford and the approved rent for the dwelling unit. Rents must be reasonable in relation to rents charged for comparable non-assisted dwelling units in the market area, and may not exceed the maximum levels determined by HUD. Assisted households must pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent. All units leased with Section 8 assistance must meet federal housing quality standards and be inspected at least annually. Approximately 1,300 households in the city are receiving assistance under the program. 

    Many times, the needs of low and very low income persons and family extend well beyond housing. Households may require a complex matrix of supportive services that enable them to stabilize their situations and live comfortably in a supportive environment. The premise of the Supportive Housing Program is to provide affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing that focuses on the persons who reside under the roof by addressing their supportive services needs through the following programs: 

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS).   This program enables families receiving Section 8 assistance to achieve economic self-sufficiency within a five-year timeframe.  Under FSS, a family receives a comprehensive matrix of supportive services, and interest-bearing escrow savings account which may be utilized as a downpayment for house purchase, transitional resources to economically independent living and/or  opportunities to improve educational attainment, skill levels, and income generating abilities.

Tenant-Based Assistance for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and HOME Programs.   These two programs provide tenant-based rental assistance to very low income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, plus case management and supportive services. The supportive services address the immediate and long-term needs of the participants including health care, mental health, substance abuse, public benefits, private insurance and legal assistance.

Shelter Plus Care (SPC):   Assists homeless individuals and families with mental disabilities, chronic substance misuse, and/or infected with HIV/AIDS by providing long-term affordable rental housing and a broad range of supportive services. The goal of SPC is to increase the participants’ independent living skills, build self-confidence, and to become productive members of the community.

HOPWA:   This program is designed for homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS, and provides affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary rental housing coupled with an array of supportive services. Two housing options are available: 1) independent living in a private dwelling unit, allowing families with HIV/AIDS to remain intact through the help of a stable and supportive environment ; and 2) congregate living with private amenities (e.g. kitchen and bathroom facilities) and on-site supportive services. 

Supportive Housing Program: The Supportive Housing Program is designed to develop supportive housing and services that will allow homeless persons to live as independently as possible. Assistance in the Supportive Housing Program is provided to help homeless persons meet three overall goals:1) achieve residential stability; 2) increase their skills levels and/or incomes; and 3) obtain greater self-determination (i.e. more influence over decisions that affect their lives