Section 3
The Section 3 program requires that recipients of certain HUD financial assistance, to the greatest extent possible, provide training, employment, contracting and other economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons, especially recipients of government assistance for housing, and to businesses that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
Information for Section 3
Questions?
Contact a Section 3 representative for assistance:
or call our hotline
Information for Workers
A Section 3 Worker is any individual who currently fits, or when hired within the past five (5) years fits, at least one of the following categories:
- The worker’s income for the previous or current calendar year is below HUD income limits (Español) ; or
- The worker is employed by a Section 3 Business Concern; or
- The worker is a YouthBuild participant.
For more details, please refer to the Section 3 Worker Application Checklist and FAQs (Español ). For questions, call 832-394-6257 or email HCDSection3@houstontx.gov
Information for Businesses
Businesses can apply for Section 3 certification if they are:
- 51% owned and controlled by low-income person(s); or
- 75% of business labor hours are performed by low-income persons; or
- 51% owned and controlled by current public housing residents or residents who currently live in Section 8 assisted housing
If you are interested in receiving Section 3 Certification for your business, get started in the Section 3 Management System . In addition to the main application, you will need to provide documentation about your business. You can find a full list of required documents on the Business Concerns Application Checklist (Español ).
Section 3 Mobile Certification
Introducing the innovative "Mobile" unit, designed to certify subcontractors and laborers involved in active and upcoming federally funded COH projects.
Equipped with digital Section 3 Worker applications, our "Mobile" unit is ready to provide one-on-one technical assistance, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Are you ready to join forces with us? Extend an invitation to our team to be a part of your community event, job fair, or any other gathering. By obtaining certification, individuals become eligible for exciting gift card drawings.
The Contract Compliance Team is actively seeking individuals and workers who are eager to expand their work opportunities and contribute to building a better future.
We are more than willing to visit your office or onsite project to certify your laborers and subcontractors right on the premises. Our aim is to collaborate with General and Prime contractors, Subcontractors, Property Managers, Owners, Developers, Laborers, and the General Public, fostering a strong network of professionals dedicated to success.
HCD Policies & Required Forms
| Document Name | Use | View |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Forms: Contract Compliance | Used in all stages of hiring Section 3 and MWSBE workers and business concerns | View |
| Federal Regulations Compliance Packet | Used in all stages of hiring Section 3 and MWSBE workers and business concerns | View |
Resources
Additional Resources
Section 3 Brochure
| Document Name | Applicable to | Last Updated | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Assistance Training Video - Spring 2025 | All | 04/23/2025 | View |
| Section 3 Technical Assistance Training Presentation | All | 01/29/2025 | View |
| Champion Scorecard | Section 3 Workers | 04/05/2022 | View |
| Section 3 Business Directory | Section 3 Workers | View | |
| Worker Application | Section 3 Workers | 04/10/2025 | View |
| Worker Directory | Section 3 Workers | 03/19/2025 | View |
| Section 3 Worker Application Checklist and FAQs | Section 3 Workers | 02/11/2025 | View |
| Section 3 Brochure | Section 3 Workers | 06/15/2022 | View |
