Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program –
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For Participants
What is happening to the EHV program?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that OCHA will no longer receive funding for the EHV program. This funding is only expected to last until the end of 2026.
Will I lose my housing assistance due to funding?
No. OCHA is transferring EHV participants into the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to ensure continued housing assistance. You will be placed on the HCV waiting list under a special preference for current EHV participants unless you opt-out of transferring to the HCV program in writing. If you opt-out, your housing assistance will end when funding runs out.
What is the HCV program?
The HCV program, also known as Section 8, helps low-income individuals and families afford safe, decent housing in the private market. Participants receive rental assistance that allows them to choose where they live.
The HCV program sounds like the EHV program, what is the difference?
Both programs offer rental assistance. EHV was created during the COVID-19 pandemic with temporary funding to help people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. HCV is a long-standing program funded annually by Congress.
Do I need to do anything to be placed on the HCV waiting list?
No. No action is required unless you choose not to be placed on the HCV waiting list. If you do not want to be placed on the HCV waitlist, you will be asked to notify OCHA in writing within 10 days of receiving the transition letter.
I haven’t received a transition letter; do I need to do anything?
No. OCHA is sending out transition letters based on the order in which participants were referred to OCHA for the EHV program. You will receive a transition letter at least 10 days prior to your file being transitioned from the EHV program to the HCV program.
Will my rental assistance be interrupted during the transition?
No. Your rent will continue to be paid, and there will be no interruption to your housing assistance.
Will my landlord be notified of this transition?
OCHA will make staff available to address any questions landlords may have about the transition, however, because the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract executed between the landlord and OCHA remains unchanged, there is no impact to landlords, and they will not be sent separate correspondence regarding the transition.
Will my unit need to be reinspected or inspected before my biennial inspection schedule?
No. Your unit inspection process will remain unchanged.
Will I need to sign a new lease?
No. Your current lease will remain in effect after the transition from the EHV program to the HCV program.
Will my rent amount change?
No. The payment standard used for the EHV programs is the same as HCV, so your rent portion should remain consistent. Your rent amount may change if you reported an income change. Any changes in your rent portion will be communicated to you separately in writing.
Can I choose to move during the transition?
Yes, you can still move. Your rights and responsibilities remain the same under the HCV program.
Can I still request Reasonable Accommodations?
Yes. You can request Reasonable Accommodations at any time before, during, or after the transition.
How will I know who my new Housing Specialist is?
Once your transition to the HCV program is complete, OCHA will send you a letter with the name and contact information of your new Housing Specialist.
What if I do not want to be transitioned to the HCV program?
You may opt-out of the transition by sending OCHA notification in writing that you do not wish to be transitioned to the HCV program, and you wish to remain on the EHV program.
What happens if I opt-out?
If you opt-out, your rental assistance will end when OCHA’s EHV funding runs out.
Will I get notice before EHV funding runs out?
Yes, you will receive a termination notice terminating you from the EHV program due to the program ending 60 days prior to the last date of assistance.
Can I change my mind later if I initially opt-out?
Yes, you may change your mind if you initially chose to opt-out, however, depending upon funding availability, your request may not be approved.
Why would OCHA not approve my request to opt-in at a later time?
The ability to transfer individuals from the EHV program to the HCV program is dependent upon whether HCV funding is available. If HCV funding is no longer available at the time you changed your mind, OCHA will be unable to approve your revised request to opt-in.
What happens if funding is unavailable if I choose to opt-in later?
You will receive a denial letter in writing detailing the reason for the denial.
How do I inform OCHA if I change my mind?
Submit a letter in writing to OCHA no later than 30 days prior to the last date of assistance explaining you have changed your mind and would like to opt-in to the transition to the HCV program.
What happens if I choose to opt-in after my EHV assistance has ended?
If you do not request to opt-in before your EHV assistance has ended, your request will be denied.
Why would my request be denied if I chose to opt-in after my EHV assistance ends?
You would be denied because you would no longer be eligible to the preference that allowed the transition from the EHV program to the HCV program. The preference is limited to currently assisted individuals and families. If you choose to opt-in after your EHV assistance ends you will no longer meet the preference.
Will everyone on the EHV program who opt-in be transferred to HCV before the end of 2026?
No. OCHA will continue to provide assistance to EHV participants as long as EHV funding remains available and OCHA will transition EHV participants to the HCV program based on HCV funding availability.
Do I need to worry if I don’t receive a transition letter in 2026?
No. OCHA expects EHV funding to extend beyond 2026, depending upon the number of households transitioned from EHV to HCV in 2026.
Why am I getting a transition letter before other EHV participants?
OCHA is initiating the transfer from the EHV program to the HCV program based on the initial referral date from the Coordinated Entry System (CES). This is to ensure fairness and to maintain the previously established CES prioritization.
I want to transfer from EHV to HCV right away but haven’t received my transition letter, can I make that request?
No. To ensure fairness, transfers from the EHV program to the HCV program are based on the initial referral date to OCHA from CES and will be processed in that order.
Who can I contact for help or questions?
- OCHA Contact Line: 714-480-2700 or your Housing Specialist
- 2-1-1 Orange County: Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211oc.org
- Fair Housing Council of Orange County: 714-569-0823
For Property Owners and Landlords
What does the end of the EHV program mean for landlords currently leasing to EHV tenants?
The EHV program is expected to end due to exhausted federal funding. However, OCHA is transitioning EHV tenants into the HCV program to avoid any disruption in rental payments.
Will I be notified when my tenant transitions to HCV?
No separate notice is sent; however, you may contact OCHA with questions. Your existing HAP contract will remain valid including all OCHA, tenant, and landlord obligations.
Will I continue receiving rent payments during the transition?
Yes. As long as the tenant remains eligible and housed, OCHA will continue making rent payments. Once the tenant transitions to the HCV program, payments will come from HCV funding rather than EHV funds.
Do I need to sign a new lease or HAP contract when the tenant transitions to HCV?
No. If the tenant remains in the same unit, a new HAP contract or tenancy addendum is not required. The existing agreements remain valid.
Will the payment standard change when the tenant transitions to HCV?
No. OCHA maintains only an HCV payment standard which currently applies to EHV participants.
What happens if the tenant moves to a new unit during the transition?
If the tenant moves, a new HAP contract and tenancy addendum will be required under the HCV program. The payment standard and rent reasonableness will be reassessed based on HCV rules.
Can I refuse to accept a tenant who transitions to HCV?
No. If the lease and HAP contract remain in place, the transition does not change your obligations.
How can I stay informed or get support during this transition?
- OCHA Contact: 714-480-2700 or your tenant’s Housing Specialist
- Email: [I think we should have a dedicated email for owner inquiries re EHV]
For Community Stakeholders
Why is the EHV program ending early?
Although the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized EHV funding through 2035, HUD indicated that due to increased rental costs, the $5 billion allocated nationally will be exhausted by late 2026.
How many households are affected in Orange County?
OCHA currently serves 498 households through the EHV program.
What is OCHA doing to address this issue?
OCHA is:
- Transitioning EHV families to the HCV program using a local preference for those at risk of losing rental assistance.
- Working with legislative partners and advocacy organizations (CAHA and NAHRO) to push for continued funding.
Is OCHA allowed to transition EHV families to the HCV program?
Yes. OCHA revised our Administrative Plan to include a preference for Individuals and Families currently assisted through an OCHA administered rental assistance program who are at risk of losing assistance and who meet specific eligibility criteria, and the Board of Supervisors approved the update on November 18, 2025.
How is OCHA informing EHV participants of their options?
OCHA will be informing EHV participants of their options through email or mail to the participants’ last known email or mailing address.
If an EHV participant doesn’t respond to OCHA’s correspondence will their assistance be impacted?
No. OCHA is offering participants an opportunity to opt-out of the transition instead of requiring the participant to take an action to opt-in. Our hope is that this will result in little to no impact to our EHV participants.
What is OCHA doing to ensure EHV participants are supported during this transition?
OCHA will have staff available to address any questions/concerns identified by EHV participants. Additionally, OCHA will make appropriate referrals to community support systems to assist participants based on their specific circumstances.
How can community organizations support EHV participants during the transition?
Community organizations play a vital role in helping EHV participants feel informed and supported during the transition to the HCV program. While the transition may feel overwhelming, participants do not need to take any action unless they choose to opt- out, and OCHA will notify them well in advance of any changes.
Community partners can reassure clients that their housing assistance will continue without interruption and encourage them to reach out with questions. By offering clear information, emotional support, and referrals to additional resources, organizations can help reduce anxiety and ensure a smooth transition.
