Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 housing authorities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing, and managing these developments.

The Georgetown Housing Authority Public Housing Program consists of rental properties owned by Georgetown Housing Authority (GHA). GHA has three apartment complexes located in the City of Georgetown. They are the Westside Apartment Complex, North Street Apartment Complex, and Maryville South Apartment Complex. The Public Housing Program also has 30 scattered site homes located throughout Georgetown, Georgetown County, and Andrews, SC.

The program is governed by a waiting list and preference. Qualified applicants are notified at the time of unit availability. It is GHA’s responsibility to provide safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing, and to maintain the property in accordance to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing quality standards.

Tenants are required to sign a one year lease and to abide by the lease and other regulations set forth by GHA and HUD.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, formerly known as Section 8, is rental assistance in the private market. This program is governed by a waiting list and preference. Applicants must apply and qualify to receive services. If an applicant owns their own property, they do not qualify for assistance from the HCV Program.

Landlords participating in the HCV Program must charge rent that is comparable to the private market.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to seek housing in Georgetown County, SC. Qualifying criteria for the property includes reasonable rent, meets Housing Quality Standards in accordance with HUD guidelines, and is located in Georgetown County, SC.

HCV clients are required to sign a one year lease.