Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) is now accepting rental assistance applications via a new online application website. The online application allows for greater accessibility of qualifying individuals. The online application can be found at phelpsco.housingmanager.com. 

The Housing Choice Voucher Program works to help very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. 

Individuals need to have a valid email address to apply online. 

Paper applications are still accepted every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. James location and on the 2^nd Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Washington County Public Library, 235 E. High St., Potosi. Paper applications are no longer being accepted at Heartland Independent Living Center in Owensville, however, the Scenic Regional Library in Owensville offers public access to computers in order to apply online.  

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) provides staffing to the Phelps County PHA that provides rental assistance to over 750 low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city limits of Rolla) and Washington counties. The PHA also offers the Family Self-Sufficiency Program where clients develop a goal-oriented, five-year plan that moves them toward self-sufficiency and independence from government programs.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 27 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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