Understanding Section 8 Housing in Forney
Section 8 housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is designed to assist low-income families in affording safe and decent housing. In Forney, Texas, the landscape of Section 8 housing is somewhat unique due to the absence of a local housing authority dedicated to administering this program. Instead, residents seeking assistance typically apply through nearby agencies.
Local Housing Authorities for Section 8 Applications
Residents of Forney generally navigate the Section 8 application process through the following housing authorities:
Terrell Housing Authority - This agency serves areas within Forney and provides access to housing vouchers.
Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) - As one of the larger housing authorities in the region, DHA also serves Forney and surrounding areas, managing a substantial voucher program.
Additionally, residents may reach out to the Kaufman County housing authority or other regional public housing agencies (PHAs) to inquire about voucher administration in their specific areas.
Eligibility Criteria for Section 8 Housing
To qualify for Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers, applicants must generally meet specific criteria:
1. Income Limits
Household income must fall below certain limits that are determined based on family size and the area median income (AMI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Typically, an annual income at or below 50% of the AMI is required for eligibility, with a significant portion of vouchers allocated to those earning at or below 30% of the AMI (very low-income households).
For example, in Kaufman County, which includes Forney, the income limits suggest approximately:
~$34,100 for a one-person household
~$48,700 for a four-person household
2. Citizenship or Immigration Status
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or non-citizens with eligible immigration status.
3. Social Security and Identification
All adult household members are required to possess valid Social Security numbers and photo identification.
4. Background Checks and Rental History
Housing authorities conduct background checks and may deny assistance based on certain serious offenses, such as drug manufacturing on HUD property or having a lifetime sex offender registration.
Eviction history or outstanding debts to a housing authority can also impact eligibility.
5. Household Composition
Applicants must meet the PHA's definition of a family, which can include various configurations such as individuals, couples, seniors, disabled persons, and children.
Community Concerns and Observations
Recently, some residents have raised concerns regarding crime statistics associated with certain streets developed by Ashton Woods within Forney. According to data from Forney Police Chief White, there has been a higher volume of reported incidents in these areas. However, it is crucial to note that this data does not clarify the reasons behind these incidents or assign responsibility.
A closer look at the data reveals that many of the identified streets are in the newer phases of the Gateway Parks subdivision, where housing density and population growth are significantly higher compared to earlier phases. Out of the 302 rental properties in Gateway Parks, a notable concentration is found in the Ashton Woods-developed areas. Experts indicate that increased population density often correlates with a rise in service calls and reported incidents, irrespective of housing type or subsidy status.
Some residents have also expressed concern that several homes in these newer phases are being advertised online as Section 8 rentals. However, city officials have not independently verified whether these properties participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. Moreover, crime data from the police department does not differentiate between subsidized and non-subsidized renters, making it challenging to draw a direct link between Section 8 housing and criminal activity.
Residents have highlighted issues related to rental saturation and noncompliance with Forney’s rental registration program in the Ashton Woods-developed streets. City staff have confirmed that unregistered rental properties create additional pressures on police and code enforcement resources. However, officials emphasize that noncompliance with registration is a regulatory issue rather than an indicator of criminal behavior and does not correlate with increased crime rates.
Experts in criminology and housing policy caution against associating rental status or the presence of housing vouchers with criminal conduct. Research suggests that crime rates are more influenced by factors such as property management practices, population turnover, and neighborhood infrastructure, rather than residents receiving rental assistance. Participants in the Section 8 program undergo background checks and risk losing their eligibility for serious lease violations, adding layers of oversight not commonly found in market-rate rentals.
While the concerns of residents reflect genuine frustrations with rapid growth, enforcement, and changes in the neighborhood, the available data does not support the conclusion that Section 8 housing contributes to increased crime rates. Instead, the evidence points to rapid development, heightened density, and inconsistent rental oversight as the primary factors influencing the trends observed in police call data.
