BOISE - Property owners, managers and landlords in Idaho's Lewis-Clark Valley region are encouraged to attend a free workshop and open house in Lewiston regarding housing issues and the Section 8 Voucher program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the IHFA branch office at 215 10th St., Suite 101.

Landlords may attend anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to meet the IHFA staff and ask questions. Two workshop discussions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., will center on tenant eligibility, lease use, housing quality standards, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Each workshop will last approximately two hours. Seating is limited, and those planning to attend must call to reserve space by contacting IHFA's Lewiston office at (208) 743-0251, or toll-free 1-866-566-1727.

IHFA administers Section 8 Rental Assistance on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 34 of Idaho's 44 counties. Section 8 vouchers are used by tenants to rent units on the open market. In 2002, IHFA administered nearly $4.4 million in housing assistance payments to participating region landlords in the Section 8 tenant-based and project-based programs, benefiting 1,618 low-income households. To be eligible for rental assistance, households must qualify under HUD income limits and pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent and utilities.

Landlord workshops are coordinated regularly by each of IHFA's branch offices, located in Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.