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Nearly 20,000 Apply Online For Fort Worth Housing

FORT WORTH (AP) - Nearly 20,000 applications have been received in the new online request system for vouchers from the Fort Worth Housing Authority.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Tuesday that the number of applicants is about twice what officials expected.

The Section 8 Housing Choice program began receiving applications last week, the first time applications had been accepted since 2008.

Spokeswoman Selarstean Mitchell says the numbers, about 19,700 applicants, really speak to the level of need and how easy the process has been made.

About 100 vouchers are available immediately, chosen by computer lottery. The remaining eligible applicants go on a waiting list.

An estimated 5,000 housing applicants lined up last month in Dallas, causing security problems and leaving several people slightly hurt in the rush to seek vouchers.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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