Special Programs

Project-Based Vouchers

Project-based vouchers are vouchers that are provided to a property, instead of a tenant/participant, for a particular period of time.  Reading Housing Authority currently supports 12 one-bedroom Project-Based Vouchers at GoggleWorks Apartments, 135 Washington Street, Reading.   In addition to qualifying for the voucher, applicants to this property are required to meet the suitability requirements as determined by the Owner.

Shelter Plus Care

Reading Housing Authority receives funding from the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program to assist individuals facing homelessness who also receive case management services from the Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Program and its contractors.  Participants must meet be considered homeless as defined by the Department of Housing & Urban Development, have a disability as verified by a licensed treatment provider, and be eligible for and willing to participate in services related to mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

RHA receives funding to directly assist approximately 38 individuals in the City of Reading.  Most rules and procedures are similar to the Housing Choice Voucher program.  The program is limited to 1-bedroom vouchers, or 2-person families.

The waiting list for this program remains open at all times. Applicants to this program are received by the Housing Department at Service Access & Management, Inc. 19 North 6th Street in Reading.  A representative from SAM will assist applicants with determining eligibility for case management services, and make the referral to RHA.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

The HUD-VASH program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Reading Housing Authority does not currently receive any direct VASH funding.  Veterans from the City of Reading, or who wish to reside in the City of Reading and who have a VASH-voucher from another housing agency jurisdiction are invited to request portability to RHA.

RHA currently assists 22 veterans with VASH vouchers.