The Columbiana Metropolitan Housing Authority oversees two types of affordable housing programs.

• Public Housing Units (units owned by CMHA)
  • Units are located in East Liverpool and Wellsville, Ohio
  • These include Fawcett Apartments, Riverview Towers, Shoub Towers, Woodland Hills, Independence Square, and various scattered sites. Each of these housing communities is highlighted in the “Public Housing” tab on the main page.
• Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV; Section 8 Rental Assistance) When approved, the family receives a voucher to help with renting from a private landlord in any areas across Columbiana County. This program is highlighted in the “Housing Choice Voucher” tab on the main page.

Rent in each program is subsidized and is income based. The application puts you on the appropriate waiting list. After your application is processed, you will be notified when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.

Since the CMHA owned Public Housing units are located in East Liverpool and Wellsville, those cities may not meet the needs of everyone. Individuals or families may need to live in other areas of Columbiana county. Those families may choose to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). HCV tenants are able to take there vouchers with them to other states with the port option where available.

Applications for either program can be completed by clicking on the “Apply for HCV” on the main page.

The basic application process and requirements are basically the same for both programs. However, these questions apply to the HCVP process only:

The CMHA Housing Choice Voucher Program is still operating. However, applications for new vouchers are not being accepted at this time due to the large number of families on the current waiting list for assistance. When it opens, announcements will appear in the local newspapers, as well as our website. 

* The HCV online application will open at 8am on Monday,March 28, 2022

The owner/landlord may not be the parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister, brother or spouse of any member of the assisted family. Renting from a family member may be approved as a reasonable accommodation for a family member who is a person with disabilities. If approved, both the voucher holder and owner/landlord will be notified in writing.

All vouchers are issued for 60 days. A voucher extension of two 30 day extensions may be issued. Any voucher over 120 days will be expired unless there is an approved reasonable accommodation for any family member with disabilities. Any person awarded additional time on the voucher over 120 days will be notified in writing.

If your voucher has expired, you are eligible to reapply to the waiting list if the waiting list is open. If the waiting list is closed, you will not be able to reapply until such time that the list re-opens.

You will give your voucher and Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) to your prospective landlord. He/she will complete and return to the Housing Authority. The rent will be reviewed to ensure it is reasonable and affordable. If the landlord has returned proof of paid local taxes with the RFTA, it will be scheduled for an inspection; usually within 14 business days. Your landlord will notify you if the unit passes or fails the inspection. It is very important that you keep close contact with your prospective landlord during the process.

Many landlords will ask for the security deposit when you wish to rent their unit. This is not unusual. However, it is recommended that you receive the return policy in writing should you or the landlord decide not to rent the unit.

Please be aware CMHA will not pay subsidy on your behalf to the landlord until your unit passes inspection and it is under contract. If you move in before this time period, the CMHA will not pay any portion of your rent and your landlord may be able to charge you the full amount of rent.