Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program
Administration Change
Effective 12/1/2022, the Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs (also known as Section 8) will be transferred to the Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI). CDCLI is a well-known and respected lead agency serving the communities of Nassau and Suffolk Counties for more than 50 years.
Participants were mailed Housing Specialist assignments via a letter the week of January 9th , 2023. Please note no action is required by participants because of this letter; it is for informational purposes only. Any requests for action or documentation will be sent in separate mailed communications.
For inquiries sent by phone or email, due to increased volume, please allow 1-2 business days for a response. We are working diligently to respond to all inquiries
The transfer does not change any of the terms or requirements for the waitlist or program participation. We will send out future communications, as applicable, for any required actions associated with current or potential participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Effective 12/1/22, Head of Household and Landlords are responsible to direct communications with CDCLI; failure to follow HCV protocols may result in suspension or termination of program participation.
If you are a Nassau County or Town of Hempstead Voucher Holder and you received a notification from CDCLI regarding your upcoming annual recertification, please visit our recertification page: https://www.cdcli.org/hcvrecertification/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate for this program is 1%.
How long is the loan term?
In general, the loan term will be between five and ten years depending on the applicant’s preference, loan size, and the need for affordable repayment terms.
Is there a minimum credit score to apply?
There are no minimum credit scores to apply, but you must be able to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. In addition, you need to be current on mortgage payments and tax obligations and have no bankruptcy within the last two years.
Can I take a loan out to secure or repair the shoreline near my house?
No. This program only allows for improvements to the main structure of the subject property. Securing the shoreline, bluff, or bulkheads are ineligible.
I previously made flood mitigation improvements to my home. Am I eligible to apply for this funding for those improvements?
No. This is a new program, so there is no reimbursement of costs for construction work previously incurred.
This program applies to homes in the 500-year floodplain. Do I need flood insurance?
While this program does not require you to purchase flood insurance, if you live near an area of past flooding, you should consider purchasing flood insurance. In fact, according to FEMA, more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from parties of high-risk flood zones.
Are there other requirements as part of this loan program?
Yes, as part of this program, you will be required to obtain an Elevation Certificate and an environmental review—and we can help you with both!
An Elevation Certificate is a document regulated by FEMA and completed by a licensed engineer or surveyor. Data collected on the elevation certificate allows insurance companies to assess a property’s flood risk more accurately by verifying the elevation of the home and whether any effort has been made to minimize the effects of floods. Home HeadQuarters has a list of contractors and businesses that can provide an elevation certificate to help get you started. The cost of the required elevation certificate can be rolled into your loan.
An environmental review is required for your property. Your Home HeadQuarters loan officer can provide you with more information on this process and submits this review for you.
Why is this program only offered in Broome, Erie, Kings, Queens, and Suffolk counties?
New York State selected the five counties for this program based on historical flooding events. In the future, this program may be expanded to other counties in New York.
Can I select my own contractor?
Yes! Borrowers may select their preferred building contractor. However, all contractors must be licensed with New York State.
What will this loan pay for?
This loan can pay for interior flood mitigation and resiliency improvements. See details on eligible improvements here.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Homeowners in the 500-year floodplain in Broome County, Erie County, Kings County, Queens County, and Suffolk County are eligible to apply. Homeowners must earn at or less than 120% of HUD median income guidelines (based on family size), and the subject property must be your primary residence.
Why is New York State establishing this program?
Many New York State communities need to become more resilient to flooding while property owners become better prepared for the next flooding event. Climate change can influence the intensity and frequency of precipitation that a region experiences. Increased precipitation through more frequent and intense rain events is impacting New York by increasing flooding throughout many parts of the state. Flooding from heavy precipitation can result in costly damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other important infrastructure.
Do I need to visit the office in person to ensure my continued participation?
In almost all instances, in person travel is NOT REQUIRED. The most efficient way to reach your housing specialist is via email or phone and all program actions can be accomplished via phone, email, mail or fax. We also have drop boxes available in our office lobbies should participants want to drop off documents.
What other services does CDCLI provide?
- We proudly offer the following services:
- Housing Choice Voucher Program Administration
- Homebuyer Education, Counseling and Financial Assistance
- Home Safety and Energy Improvements
- Rental Housing Assistance and Development
- Resident Engagement and Educational Services
- Financial Counseling and Education
- Please visit www.cdcli.org for more information
Who is CDCLI?
- Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI), a regional non-profit organization, was founded in 1969 by government, business, and civic leaders on Long Island who came together to address the growing demand for affordable housing. That strong tri-sector support continues today. CDCLI is a regional and national leader in community development, employs more than eighty-five people, serves both Nassau and Suffolk counties and Brooklyn, and provides a variety of programs and services that address the dynamic challenges faced by those who live and work on Long Island.
- CDCLI is committed to making dreams of long-term economic stability come true. As a chartered member of NeighborWorks®, CDCLI is certified to meet a high standard of fiscal integrity and service performance to assist residents in achieving their dreams and is recognized by NeighborWorks® as an “exemplary organization.” CDCLI is also a certified “Green Organization.”
Who will be my Housing Specialist at CDCLI?
All participants were mailed a letter with their Housing Specialist assignment the week of January 9th, 2023. If you are unsure who your housing specialist is, please email or call using the information located at the bottom of this page.
Will my landlord continue to get paid?
Yes, eligible landlord payments will continue to be made timely.
Will the HCV Program rules change with CDCLI?
No, since the HCV program is administered by NYS Department of Homes and Community Renewals, both Nassau County and CDCLI follow the same administrative procedures. Please note there may be slight changes in process, but the administrative rules surrounding the program requirements and eligibility remain unchanged.
Should you have additional questions about the transition or your participation program, you may contact us via phone or email:
Via Phone: 631-251-5544