One of the ways South Metro Housing Options (SMHO) is helping the Littleton community is through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The federal program provides families, seniors, and disabled adults an opportunity to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The program is managed and administered locally by SMHO, and gives residents more ways to live in Littleton, which is a highly desirable location due to good schools, job opportunities, history, culture, and recreation.

“Balanced housing stock accommodates a diverse resident population which in turn supports the local economy and contributes to Littleton’s culture and community,” BBC Research & Consulting stated in a recent housing study. “The city has historically been relatively affordable to households across the income spectrum and the city has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of its most vulnerable residents. For example, Littleton was the second city in the State of Colorado to establish a housing authority to provide housing options for low-income residents.”

The report also identifies that since early 2012, home prices have increased sharply in Littleton and in peer communities throughout the metro area. In 2016, the median sale price for homes in Littleton was $370,000. Single-family detached homes sold for a median sale price of $410,000, significantly higher than the median sale price for attached homes ($247,750). Realtor.com is currently reporting the median sale price to be $441,000.

“A diverse resident population supports the local economy & contributes to the culture.”

As of April 2020, average rent for an apartment in Littleton was $1,575, with one bedroom apartments going for $1,373 a month. Due to high demand and costs, renting or purchasing a home for anyone earning $75,000 a year or less can be challenging, highlighting a greater need for affordable housing options. The maximum housing assistance allowed is generally the lesser of the payment standard minus 30% of the family’s monthly adjusted income or the gross rent for the unit minus 30% of monthly adjusted income.

There are many ways housing choice vouchers help people and communities. By allowing families to rent a unit of their choice in the private market, vouchers enable them to move to safer neighborhoods, providing children the opportunity for better health, education, and long-term economic prospects. Other benefits include reducing homelessness, poverty, health care and public service costs, and provided working adults an opportunity to make ends meet.

SMHO’s Section 8 Housing Department provides support for the program and can answer your questions. Since there is a strong demand for the program in Littleton, there is a waiting list. However, we encourage you to learn more and inquire with us for assistance in this area.