What Is the Section 3 Program?

Section 3 of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 helps ensure that when HUD funding is used for housing development projects, economic opportunities—such as jobs, training, and contracting opportunities—are made available to local and ARHA residents and businesses.

These opportunities are intended to benefit Section 3 workers and businesses, with a particular focus on low- and very-low-income individuals, especially those who receive housing assistance through programs such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), Multifamily Housing, and Moderate Rehabilitation.

ARHA collaborates with developers and general contractors involved in redevelopment projects to fulfill HUD Section 3 requirements. ARHA uses a Section 3 Worker Database to identify potential Section 3 workers, and businesses. It is also used to assess workforce skills and determine training opportunities that support career growth and increased employment opportunities.

Join the New Section 3 Worker Database

If you are interested in employment opportunities through the Section 3 Program, please use the link below to access and submit your information to the new Section 3 Worker Database. Even if you have previously registered with ARHA, you must submit your information to the new database. To do so, please use the click here or scan the QR code below.

Individuals who register in the database will receive additional information about the Section 3 Program, available resources, and upcoming opportunities.

Important Information

Please ensure that all contact information is completed accurately so we can reach you regarding future opportunities.

ARHA is currently seeking Section 3 workers for the redevelopment of Samuel Madden, and qualified individuals are encouraged to register in the database.

Please continue to check the ARHA website for section 3 updates, new redevelopment projects, and employment opportunities. 

Additional Section 3 Program Information

Who is a “Section 3 Worker”?

A Section 3 Worker:

1. Fits one of these categories:

• Has a low or very low income, as defined by HUD, for the year in which the worker is hired or first certified as a Section 3 worker; or
• Is employed by a business that qualifies as a Section 3 business concern. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; pr
• Is a YouthBuild program participant

2. And performs work on a Section 3-covered project.

Who is a “Targeted Section 3 Worker”? 

A Section 3 targeted worker is:

• Employed by a Section 3 business concern, or
• A current or recent (within the past 5 years) resident of:
  • Public housing,
  • Section 8-assisted housing,
  • Other public housing or Section 8 housing managed by the housing authority providing the assistance,
  • Or a participant in the YouthBuild program.

Who is a Section 3 resident?

Section 3 residents are:

• Public housing, and Section 8 residents
• Low and very low-income persons (see determining income levels below) who live in the metropolitan area or non-metropolitan county where a HUD-assisted project for housing development is located.

How to Determine Income Levels

• Low income is defined as 80% or below the median income of that area.
• Very low income is defined as 50% or below the median income of that area.

Income limits may be obtained from here.

What is a Section 3 Business Concern?

A Section 3 Business Concern is a business that qualifies for HUD's Section 3 program because it is owned by, employs, or is committed to hiring Section 3 workers.

Under HUD regulations, a business qualifies as a Section 3 Business Concern if it meets at least one of the following criteria:

1. At least 51% owned and controlled by low-income or very low-income persons; or
2. Over 75% of the labor hours performed by the business's employees are performed by Section 3 workers; or
3. At least 51% owned and controlled by current public housing residents or Section 8-assisted housing residents. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Do you want to start a business that can bid on Section 3 jobs? 

If you are interested in starting your own small business that can work on Section 3 projects (or other businesses) you can learn from the Small Business Administration (SBA) how to start and fund a small business, from researching the market to launching your new business. This website has everything needed to get a small business up and running.

The SBA can help you learn how to start your own business with 10 Steps to Start a Business 

The SBA's Business Guide covers other important aspects of running a business. These include:

• Paying business taxes
• Getting business insurance
• Applying for licenses and permits
• Hiring and managing employees

The SBA also has resources for funding your business here which includes:

• Self-funding
• Investors
• Loans

The SBA also provides business guides and resources on funding and contracting programs for special groups, including:

• Women-owned businesses
• Minority-owned businesses

Have any questions? Send an email to section3@arha.us