SAGINAW (WJRT) -
(02/07/12) - The Saginaw Housing Commission is accepting applications for people who want to be on the Section 8 waiting list. That hasn't happened in five years.
During that time the commission simply had to turn away applicants for the Section 8 program, which helps low-income people pay rent.
Alonzo Bowman-El was prepared to wait when he arrived at the Saginaw Housing Commission Tuesday afternoon. "What were you expecting when you came today," asked ABC12 reporter Rebecca Trylch. "A long line. I'm so glad it wasn't," answered Bowman-El.
Outside signs directed people to the right spot to get an application for the Section 8 waiting list. But workers say the line never got deeper than about 40 people in search of financial help for housing.
"A lot of people came early in the morning today, between 8 and 9 there was quite a few people, and a whole lot of people applied online. About 2,500 people applied online," explained Peter Chitekwe, the commission's executive director.
The online application process is now closed. Now people like Theresa Sturdivant have only one more day to pick up an application.
"Actually I was expecting like a thick book. One page, wow," said Sturdivant.
Sturdivant says she'll put her application in the mail soon, then she can start working on another goal. "Be able to save, yeah. Looking hopefully to buy a house one day."
The housing commission plans to start calling people from the new waiting list this spring. Bowman-El hopes his phone rings soon. "I'm on a fixed income, and I truly need it.">
If you didn't get to the housing commission Tuesday, it's also open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's located at 1803 Norman Street in Saginaw.
Applications have to be returned by mail with a postmark on or before February 17th.
People who end up on the Section 8 waiting list will get a letter in the mail confirming their placement on the list. People will be randomly drawn from that list as vouchers become available.
If you applied online and did not receive a confirmation email, you will need to reapply in person.
