TWIN FALLS - Property owners, managers and landlords in Southcentral Idaho are encouraged to attend one of two free workshops to hear the latest on fair housing, rental assistance and program compliance. The sessions are scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Idaho Housing and Finance Association branch office at 844 Washington St. North, Suite 300.

"Karen McCarthy of Idaho Legal Aid will be speaking on fair housing issues," said IHFA Branch Supervisor Sunny Jensen. "The workshops also will include information about the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program administered by the Twin Falls office, and a question-and-answer session."

The two-hour workshops will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Seating is limited, and those planning to attend must call to reserve space by contacting IHFA's Twin Falls office at (208) 734-8531, or toll-free 1-866-234-3435.

IHFA administers Section 8 Rental Assistance on behalf of HUD in 34 of Idaho's 44 counties. In 2003 in tenant-based and project-based programs, IHFA administered over $4.9 million in Housing Assistance Payments to participating Southcentral Idaho landlords in the Section 8 program, benefiting 2,275 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.

IHFA's four branch offices, located in Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls, administer the Section 8 program and regularly conduct landlord workshops.

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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.