PLEASE NOTE: The Section 8 Waiting List is currently closed. We are not accepting applications at this time. When the waiting list reopens, we will post it on the following:
- This webpage
- Facebook at Foothills Regional Commission
Overview
The goal of Foothills Regional Commission’s housing division is to provide safe, decent affordable housing for the residents of Cleveland, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties.
Click here to view the Approved Annual Plan for the Fiscal Year 2021.
Click here to view the current Administrative Plan for the Housing Voucher Choice Program.
Click here to be taken to the Isothermal Housing Task Force page.
Utility Allowances can be found here.
Please click or download forms below as needed. You may print and return to your local Housing Office or Complete and email to your Housing Counselor.
Updates & Forms
- RECERT-PACKET-003-1Download
- Updated Application
- Tenant Request to Move Form
- Tenant Information Form
- Housing Assistance Payments Contract
- Interim Re-Evaluation Request Form
Housing Counselor email addresses
- [email protected] for Sharanda Brown
- [email protected] for Jennifer Fox
- [email protected] for Becky McKelvey
- [email protected] for Tammy Phillips
Tenant Briefing Packet
- Landlord Listing for all Region C Counties
- Briefing Booklet
- Forms
- NC Landlord/Tenant Law
- Income Guideline Chart & Fair Market Rate Rents
- Enterprise Income Verification (EIV)
- Domestic Violence
- Housing Discrimination
- Fair Housing
- A Good Place to Live
- Protect Your Family from Lead Paint
New Resource: Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
Click the fliers below to enlarge and learn how the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can help with water bills.
Contact the Housing Office

Visit the Housing Office
The Foothills Regional Commission Housing Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
It is located at 111 W Court St Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (the entrance is around back, at the parking lot between Rutherfordton Town Hall and the building – under the green awning).
Anyone entering the office will be required to wear a mask. Housing Counselors will be available by phone and email during office hours.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
This program provides assistance with rent and utilities for qualifying families by contracting with private landlords. Active clients are afforded opportunity to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which links the family with supportive services such as childcare, transportation, educational and job training.
To access our application system and to see if we are currently accepting applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, click here or visit Isothermal.housingmanager.com.
The Family Self Sufficiency Program
This component of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to assist families set goals for themselves and with the assistance of our FSS Coordinator reach goals over a five-year time frame become independent from welfare services. It is also possible to gain and Escrow Account to save money while obtaining self-sufficiency.
The Housing Choice Voucher Home-Ownership Program
This is a component of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and provides vouchers to assist first-time homeowners with their monthly mortgage in lieu of a rental subsidy.
The HUD-VASH Program
A partnership between the Department of Housing & Urban Development and Veteran Affairs to support Homeless veterans in finding and maintaining permanent housing.
The Western N.C. Housing Partnership
A private non-profit organization established to develop affordable housing projects for seniors, families, and special populations in 31 western N.C. counties. For more information, please click here.
Landlord Information During COVID-19
