Important Information about the Waiting List:

• Check the Waiting List section of our website to see which waiting lists are open right now.
• For those on the list, we cannot estimate how long the wait will be.
• Applicants who were already on the waiting list prior to the October 2018 waiting list opening will continue to be contacted based on preferences and date of placement.
• Applicants who applied during the 2018 Section 8 waiting list opening were given a random “lottery” number. These applicants will be contacted based on preferences and lottery number.
• We do not offer emergency assistance. See our Community Resources for more information about emergency assistance in the community.

What Kind of Assistance Does the Housing Authority Offer?

The Housing Authority assists thousands of families through the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance program. We also own several apartment complexes for low-income families through our affiliated nonprofit organization New Horizons Affordable Housing and Development, and administer several rental assistance programs. You may apply for these programs through separate pre-application forms.

How Do I Apply?

First, check here or call our Waiting List Line at 454-5950 to find out if our waiting list is open. When the lists are open, to apply, simply fill out the pre-application form for the program or programs you are interested in and return it to us.

My landlord says he or she will accept Section 8. Can I get a voucher now?

No. Even if you have a landlord who wants to participate in the voucher program, you still must put your name on the waiting list like all other pre-applicants.

We are currently encouraging applicants already on the waiting list to talk with their landlords about accepting a Section 8 voucher.  When voucher utilization is low, we can implement a Lease In-Place waiting list preference for applicants already on the waiting list whose landlords will accept a Housing Choice Voucher.

The Housing Authority has a partial Live/Work residency preference, such that at least 75% of the families selected from the waiting list will either live or work in the jurisdiction of the Waiting List.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is primarily based on household income. Please see the income limits to see how much money individuals and families can earn and be eligible for assistance. Specific eligibility rules can change at any time, and we do not review your eligibility until we are ready to assist you.

How Long Is the Wait?

This depends on how many people went on the waiting list, and how many people leave the program, and the level of funding the Housing Authority receives from HUD. The wait typically takes years.

Please do not call to ask how much longer the wait will be. We cannot estimate this.

What Happens After I Submit a Pre-Application?

Several weeks after we receive your pre-application, we will send you a letter confirming that we received your application. Several months later, once the waiting list has closed and lottery numbers have been assigned, we will send you an additional letter confirming you have been placed on the waiting list. Keep this letter with your important papers.

How Do I Add or Remove Family Members?

You do not need to inform the Housing Authority about changes to your family while you are on the waiting list. If the family breaks up, whoever was designated as Head of Household on the pre-application will keep the place on the waiting list. Anyone not living with the Head of Household would need to apply on their own by submitting a new pre-application.

How Do I Update My Pre-Application?

If you move, it is very important that you send us your new address, in writing, within 30 days. If we cannot reach you by mail, you will be dropped from the waiting list. To update your address, please complete a Waiting List Status form. You will receive written confirmation several weeks after submitting a Waiting List Status form to us.

Why Haven’t I Heard From the Housing Authority?

We will contact you by mail when you get close to the top of the waiting list. If you are not sure if you are on the list, please complete a Waiting List Status Form and send it to us, or call our Waiting List Line at 454-5950.

Si desea una traducción en español, por favor llame al (831) 454-9455.