Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Housing)

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major rental subsidy program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find housing of their choice which can include single-family homes, townhouses or apartments.

Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is the local administrator for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is sponsored by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Agency. The section 8 program provides rental subsidies to income-eligible tenants through agreements with local landlords. Applicants may apply to the waiting list on the designated signup days for Chautauqua County (see below). Applicants may apply to the Cattaraugus County waiting list by completing the attached waiting list application below and returning it to the COI, Olean office.  Applicants are removed from the waiting list as openings occur per program guidelines and with a number 1 preference provided to literally homeless applicants. Household income must be at or below 50% of the HUD Area Median Income limit to qualify.

The section 8 HCV Program Waiting list for Chautauqua County accepts applications at the following locations, dates, and times:

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

2026 Waiting List Sign-Up Dates

Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.

​The following information must be available at the time of application sign up:

• Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
• Must know the amount of your annual income.

To apply to the Cattaraugus County waiting list complete the attached application forms and return to the address listed at the bottom of the application.  In order to claim residency for Cattaraugus County written verification, such as a current lease or current utility bill, must be provided.

Click here for the Cattaraugus County Section 8 application

Individuals with disabilities are eligible to apply and reasonable accommodations will be made as necessary to ensure equal participation in housing assistance.

COI affirms compliance with equal housing opportunity requirements.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Housing)

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

• There is a waiting period from the time of application to receipt of subsidy
• You choose where you want to live
• The landlord must comply with Fair Housing laws
• Your housing of choice must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards
• To qualify household income must be equal to or less than 50% of HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI).
• GOV Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet