Section 3
What Is Section 3?
Section 3 is a federal requirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps ensure jobs, training, and contracting opportunities generated by certain HUD-funded projects go to low- and very low-income residents and the businesses that employ them.
The Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) uses Section 3 to connect local residents and businesses with these opportunities whenever eligible construction, rehabilitation, or maintenance projects are funded with HUD assistance.
Who Qualifies as a Section 3 Worker?
You may be considered a Section 3 worker if you meet at least one of the following:
You are a current public housing resident.
You receive Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance.
You meet HUD’s low- or very low-income limits for Alachua County based on your household size.
You were a Section 3 worker within the last five years and your income still meets the applicable limits.
Certain workers may also qualify as “Targeted Section 3 workers” if they:
Live in the project area where the HUD-funded work is taking place, or
Are employed by a Section 3 business concern.
What Is a Section 3 Business Concern?
A business may qualify as a Section 3 business concern if it meets one of the following HUD criteria:
It is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more Section 3 workers; or
At least 75% of the total labor hours are performed by Section 3 workers; or
It is a resident-owned business that primarily employs local low-income workers.
Contractors and subcontractors working on eligible GHA projects are strongly encouraged to partner with Section 3 business concerns and to hire Section 3 workers to the greatest extent feasible.
How Residents Can Participate
If you are a resident and want to benefit from Section 3:
Sign up for Section 3 notifications from GHA (email, text, or mailing list if available).
Complete any GHA Section 3 registration or interest form for job, training, or apprenticeship opportunities.
Keep your contact information, resume, and skills list up to date so you can be quickly referred when opportunities arise.
Watch for announcements on the GHA website, social media, and property bulletin boards about upcoming Section 3-related job fairs, training, or hiring events.
Examples of opportunities may include:
Construction and rehabilitation jobs
Building maintenance and groundskeeping
Administrative and clerical positions
Training, apprenticeships, and internships related to these fields
How Businesses and Contractors Can Participate
If you are a contractor or business working with GHA on HUD-funded projects:
Review GHA’s Section 3 policy and any required forms included in bid or contract documents.
Determine whether your firm qualifies as a Section 3 business concern and complete any required certification.
Develop a plan for how you will meet Section 3 hiring and subcontracting goals, such as:
Posting job openings where Section 3 workers are likely to see them.
Partnering with local workforce programs and community organizations.
Subcontracting with certified Section 3 business concerns.
Maintain documentation of outreach, recruitment, hiring, and subcontracting efforts to demonstrate compliance.
GHA may require periodic reports showing:
The number of Section 3 workers hired.
The total labor hours worked and the share performed by Section 3 workers.
Any contracts awarded to Section 3 business concerns.
GHA’s Responsibilities Under Section 3
The Gainesville Housing Authority will:
Identify projects and funding sources that trigger Section 3 requirements.
Inform residents, contractors, and the public about available Section 3 opportunities.
Include Section 3 language in solicitations and contracts, and set expectations for contractors.
Collect and review Section 3 reports and documentation from contractors and vendors.
Monitor performance and take corrective action when contractors do not make a good faith effort to meet Section 3 goals.
Contact Information
For questions about Section 3 at Gainesville Housing Authority, including how to register as a Section 3 worker or business, please contact:
Info line
352-872-5500
Email address
info@mywebsite.com
Gainesville Housing Authority
1900 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641
Business hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM