The Section 8 Housing Program was established for the purpose of assisting low income families. Lancaster County is primarily working with three different programs which are as follows:

1. Section 8 Subsidized Housing Program.
2. Indoor Plumbing/Rehabilitation Loan Program.
3. Greentown/Gaskins Road Community Development Block Grant.

Section 8 Subsidized Housing Program

This program has been in existence in the County since the late 1980's. Under this program persons may receive a subsidy to pay all or a portion of their monthly rental cost. The amount received is dependent on the total income of the household.

Income Limits effective December 14, 1995 are as follows:

We currently have 55 families in the County receiving rental assistance under this program. The money to pay the subsidy is allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

Persons who are interested in participating in the program must fill out an application and be placed on a waiting list. Selection of who receives the subsidy is based on "first come, first served" and need.

Indoor Plumbing and Rehabilitation Loan Program

Under this program money is loaned to persons to improve their living conditions by providing indoor plumbing for a home which is in good condition and the money is loaned at a 0% finance rate. Repayment of the loan is based on the ability of the recepient to make payments with the repayment amount being based on their income. The income limits are the same as those established for the Section 8 Program.

Greentown/Gaskins Road Community Development Block Grant

The Northern Neck Planning District Commission worked with Lancaster County in the implementation of a comprehensive community improvement plan that included the installation of wastewater infrastructure and the rehabilitation and/or substantial reconstruction of 43 homes in the Greentown area. The project currently is in the final phase of the grant.

Fair Housing

The Federal Fair Housing Act and Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibit discrimination in residential housing based on sexual orientation, race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, elderliness, disability (physical or mental) or familial status.  These laws apply to property managers, owners, landlords, real estate agents, banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and appraisers.  To ensure fair housing opportunities for residents, Lancaster County implements fair housing practices in all of its housing programs and provides information about how to file a complaint in the case of discriminatory housing practices.