The housing authority of any county, or of the several counties within its area of operation is authorized and permitted to operate a housing referral service. “Housing referral Service” for the purposes of this Section means that the Housing Authority establishing the service will use all of the information it has available by virtue of its duties under this Act, to assist persons with low incomes to find available housing that is decent, safe and sanitary and affordable without overcrowding, which is suitable for their needs. This service shall include housing anywhere within an authority’s area of operation or in cooperation with any regional or State planning agency of any city, village or incorporated town wholly or partly within the area of its operation, but is not confined to housing projects of the authority. This service shall be without charge of any kind to the individuals seeking housing within their income range and shall be provided under rules promulgated by the Housing Authority.
     “Low income” for the purposes of this Section means income as that term is defined by federal housing statutes and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations.