Public housing was established by the federal government to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to duplexes and apartments. The Department of Housing Services is the owner of many single and multi-family Public Housing units throughout Washington County.
Who is eligible?
Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. The Department of Housing Services determines eligibility based on:
- annual gross income;
- whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
If you are eligible, the department will check your references and criminal background to make sure you and your family will be good tenants. Families who have members with a history of violent criminal activity, drug-related criminal activity, theft, identity theft, or other crimes against persons or property may not be eligible for Public Housing.
How does the Public Housing Program work?
The department is the landlord of its Public Housing units and participants pay rent directly. The amount of rent tenants pay is based upon income, usually about 30% of the household's monthly adjusted income. For more about the Public Housing program, please refer to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
How to apply for Public Housing?
The housing authority administers the Public Housing Program in the county, offering a range of publicly owned housing units situated in various community locations. Participating families contribute around 30% of their income towards their housing costs, with the housing authority covering the remaining amount.
Waitlist application opportunities are announced as they become available on our website and monthly e-newsletter, which you can sign up to here. You can also create an applicant account to receive an email notification.
To check on the current status of waitlist openings, please see Housing & Voucher Waitlists.