What is Section 3?

The purpose of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Section 3) is to foster local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. As part of Section 3, WMHA seeks to link public housing residents, Housing Choice Voucher participants, and other low-income individuals to employment, training and contract opportunities in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods. WMHA seeks to identify contracting and purchasing opportunities, and when there is a need for a new hire on these projects funded by HUD, WMHA and its contractors or subcontractors will make every effort to hire low-income residents to the greatest extent feasible.

Watch: Section 3 Final Rule Videos

Section 3 Residents

To qualify as a Section 3 resident and receive information on these employment and training opportunities, you must meet one of the following standards below. Section 3 residents may receive preferences for new hiring opportunities and for training opportunities related to WMHA’s HUD-funded projects and programs.

  1. Be a current Public Housing resident, Housing Choice Voucher participant, a HUD Youthbuild Program participant, or a participant of another federally-assisted program OR
  2. Live in the Wayne Metropolitan service area AND certify that your household meets the Wayne, Ashland and Holmes County low-income or very low-income limits established annually by HUD.

To become a registered Section 3 resident:

  • Create an account on HUD’s Opportunity Portal.
  • Create an account for each person who wants to be registered as a Section 3 resident.
  • Respond quickly to any employment or training opportunities that you receive.

Section 3 Businesses

To qualify as a Section 3 Business, and therefore may receive preference for an award of a Section 3 contract, your business must have:  qualified Section 3 residents who own 51% or more of the business; whose permanent full time employees include at least 30% Section 3 residents; or provides evidence of a commitment to subcontract in excess of 25% of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications of Section 3 covered assistance.

To register your Section 3 business:

The Public Housing Agency of Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority (WMHA) is committed to complying with Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1994. Section 3 requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, employment and other economic opportunities generated by HUD funds be directed to low- and very low-income residents. Federal regulations at 24 CFR Part 135 establish the standards and procedures to be followed by public housing authorities in order to ensure that the requirements of Section 3 are met.