Types of HCVP Programs
Below is an overview of the primary Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) voucher types administered by HUD, along with the most common Special Purpose Vouchers (SPVs) available to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
| Voucher Type | Brief Description | Primary Population |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) | The standard tenant-based voucher that allows eligible families to rent a privately owned home, apartment, townhouse, or duplex. The voucher moves with the family if they relocate to another eligible unit. | Low-income families, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. (HUD) |
| Project-Based Voucher (PBV) | Rental assistance is attached to a specific apartment or housing development rather than the family. If the family moves, the subsidy generally remains with the unit. | Low-income households living in designated PBV developments. (HUD) |
HUD Special Purpose Vouchers (SPVs)
| Voucher | Brief Description | Target Population |
|---|---|---|
| HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) | Combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with case management and supportive services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. | Homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness. (HUD) |
| Mainstream Voucher | Tenant-based voucher specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. Often paired with supportive services to help individuals live independently in the community. | Persons ages 18–61 with disabilities. (HUD) |
| Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) | Created through the American Rescue Plan Act to address homelessness and housing instability. These vouchers continue to serve eligible households already assisted under the program. | Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence survivors, and victims of human trafficking. (HUD) |
| Family Unification Program (FUP) | Helps families whose children are at risk of foster care placement due to inadequate housing or assists with reunification after children have been placed in foster care. | Families involved with the child welfare system. (Youth Law Center) |
| Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) | Provides housing assistance and supportive services to young adults transitioning out of foster care. | Eligible youth ages 18–24 leaving foster care. (HUD) |
| Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher | Assists non-elderly persons with disabilities, including individuals transitioning from institutional settings into community-based housing. Many PHAs now administer Mainstream vouchers instead of receiving new NED allocations. (hpha.hawaii.gov) | |
| Tenant Protection Voucher (TPV) | Issued when residents are displaced due to demolition, disposition, conversion, or expiration of HUD-assisted housing contracts. | Families displaced through HUD-approved housing actions. (HUD) |
| Stability Voucher | A newer HUD special purpose voucher designed to prevent homelessness by assisting households at imminent risk and helping communities reduce homelessness through coordinated partnerships. | Individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness. (HUD) |
Other HCV Initiatives
While not separate voucher types, HUD also administers several initiatives within the HCV program:
Homeownership Voucher Program
Allows eligible voucher holders to use their housing assistance toward monthly homeownership expenses instead of rent. (HUD)
Portability
Allows eligible families to transfer their voucher to another PHA’s jurisdiction anywhere in the United States where the HCV program operates. (HUD)
Summary of the Most Common HUD Voucher Programs
| Program | Tenant-Based | Project-Based | Special Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) | ✓ | ||
| Project-Based Voucher (PBV) | ✓ | ||
| HUD-VASH | ✓ | Veterans | |
| Mainstream | ✓ | Persons with Disabilities | |
| Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) | ✓ | Homeless/At-Risk Households | |
| Family Unification Program (FUP) | ✓ | Child Welfare Families | |
| Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) | ✓ | Former Foster Youth | |
| Tenant Protection Voucher (TPV) | ✓ | Displaced Households | |
| Stability Voucher | ✓ | Households at Risk of Homelessness |