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How to Apply for Public Housing

Preliminary applications for the public housing program (apartments managed by the Housing Authority) are taken each Tuesday from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. In order to complete the application, the following must be provided:

  • Birth Certificates and Social Security cards on all members who will be living with you as well as a Picture ID (Driver's License or other) for the Head of Household and anyone 18 years of age or older.
  • You must provide us with CURRENT verification of your income (no later than 30 days) as well as the name and address of your current and previous landlords for the last five years.
  • A criminal background check and a credit check will be processed.

Providing the name and mailing addresses of previous landlords and providing mailing addresses for all sources of income (along with copies of check stubs) will speed processing time for your application. For those receiving social security or unemployment, please bring the most recent copy of your benefits statement.

Background checks include current and previous landlord's history, credit report, and police history. Those with charges involving drugs or violence may be denied housing assistance. Those with language barriers, special transportation needs, elderly or disabled individuals, please let us know in advance so that we can provide assistance.

The Housing Authority is not designed to handle emergency housing. Apartments are offered based on vacancies from a list of previously approved applicants; an approved applicant may be on the wait list for several months, depending upon unit availability.

Wait List Preferences for Public Housing

The waiting list is divided into three separate lists for each bedroom size. The lists are organized as follows:

  • Handicap, Elderly & Disabled
  • Working Families
  • Local Families
  • Non-Working Families

From Waiting List to Housing: The Public Housing Process

STEP ONE: The Public Housing Manager will send you a letter notifying you that the YHA has reached your name on the waiting list.

STEP TWO: An appointment will be made for you to complete the Formal Application and additional paperwork.

STEP THREE: YHA will verify all of your income and perform credit and background checks.

STEP FOUR: You will be notified whether your application is approved. If you are not approved, you MAY be able to request an informal hearing regarding the decision. If you are approved, YHA will also let you know when the apartment will be available. Once approved, your paperwork will be valid for ninety (90) days.

STEP FIVE: Once your apartment is available, you must go to the utility company to have the utilities (gas and electric) turned on in your name.

STEP SIX: A receipt from the utility company must be submitted to YHA as documentation that the utilities have been transferred into your name. Also required is a money order for your security deposit and first month's rent. You will then sign the Lease and review the YHA rules & regulations with the Public Housing Manager.

STEP SEVEN: A Move-In Inspection with the maintenance staff will be performed at the time of move-in, and then you will receive the keys to your new apartment!

For more information, please call 803.684.7359 ext. 128

Please bring a copy of your required documents.

Documents:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • Picture ID (Driver's License or other)