Eligibility expansions and rising costs mean more Brunswick and Columbus County residents now qualify for federal rent assistance.
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
Rent across Brunswick and Columbus counties continues to rise faster than wages, leaving many full‑time workers struggling to keep up with monthly housing costs. In 2026, more residents are turning to the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program – commonly known as Section 8, as one of the few forms of direct rent relief available in the region.
The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), helps eligible households pay a portion of their rent by covering the gap between what they can afford and the actual market price of a unit. Tenants typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, while the voucher covers the remainder directly to the landlord.
Rising rent has put a squeeze on working households, many 9 to 5 workers – the retail employees, medical support staff, hospitality workers, and tradespeople into eligibility ranges they never expected. Under HUD’s 2026 income limits, a single worker earning between roughly $15 and $22 an hour may qualify for assistance depending on household size.
A voucher is not tied to a specific apartment or complex. It can be used anywhere a landlord agrees to participate, provided the unit passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection and the rent fits HUD’s payment standards for the county. This flexibility gives renters more options in a tight market where affordable units are limited.
How the program works in Brunswick County
Brunswick County residents apply through the Brunswick County Public Housing Agency (BCPHA), the sole administrator for vouchers in the county. Website: Brunswick County Government → Housing → Section 8 / HCV Program and Phone: 910‑253‑2077
Vouchers issued by BCPHA can be used anywhere in Brunswick County where a landlord accepts them.
How the program works in Columbus County
Columbus County residents may qualify through two legitimate voucher administrators:
Columbus County Public Housing Authority – website: Columbus County Government → Housing Authority and phone: 910.642.0198 handles standard Housing Choice Vouchers and posts waiting list updates on the county website.
North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs (NCIA) – website: NC Department of Administration → Commission of Indian Affairs → Housing for information about Administers Housing Choice Vouchers, Mainstream vouchers for non‑elderly disabled residents, and Emergency Housing Vouchers.
Landlord participation varies. Property owners must sign a Housing Assistance Payments contract, allow inspections, and follow HUD rules on rent increases and lease terms. Some landlords welcome the stability of guaranteed payments, while others are unfamiliar with the process.
After 12 months in a unit, most vouchers become “portable,” allowing renters to move to another county or even another state, if the receiving housing authority approves the transfer.
A lifeline in a tight market for many working families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program has become a critical tool for staying housed as rents rise. With eligibility expanding under HUD’s 2026 guidelines, more residents in Brunswick and Columbus counties now qualify for assistance that can make the difference between stability and displacement.
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