The Public Housing Program

 

What is Public Housing?

Public Housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public Housing comes in various sizes and types of housing, including single family houses, duplexes, and multi-unit apartment buildings. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides federal funds to local housing agencies, including Hightstown Housing Authority. In turn, these agencies manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.

 

Who is eligible?

Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. Income limits vary from area to area so applicants may be eligible at one Housing Authority but not at another.

 

Depending on the type of housing assistance available, eligibility requirements will vary but can include the following:

 

  • Annual Gross Income
  • Elderly Household Status
  • Disability Status
  • Familial Status
  • U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

The Hightstown Housing Authority will deny admission to any applicant when the prior landlord and law enforcement screening reveals a history of behavior that could have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project's environment.

 

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying for public housing, applications are available at the Hightstown Housing Authority's office. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application may also be downloaded. If you are unable to complete the application, a Hightstown Housing Authority employee will assist you. Applicants must provide the following information to determine eligibility:

 

  • Names of all persons who will be living in the rental unit, the sex of those persons, their date of birth, and their relationship to the family head of household
  • The present address and telephone number of the applicant family
  • Indication of veteran status and other family characteristics that may qualify the family for tenant selection preferences
  • Names and address of current and previous landlords
  • Information on the family's anticipated income and the sources of that income
  • The names and addresses of employers, banks and any other income sources that the Housing Authority would need in order to verify income and deductions, and to verify family composition

Additional Documentation

If not presented at the time of application, the Public Housing representative may request documentation needed to verify the information given on the application. We will also rely on direct verification from employers and other sources. At the Intake Appointment, all household members 18 years of age or older are asked to sign a form to authorize release of the pertinent information needed to determine eligibility and to process the application.

 

Notification to Applicants

All applicants are notified of additional documentation needed at the time the application is submitted. All applicants are also notified concerning the eligibility status of the application and whether the application has been placed on the waiting list or denied. All eligible applications are placed on the waiting list. Once an application nears the top of the waiting list, the applicant is contacted to schedule an Intake Appointment.

 

Signing a Lease

When offered the opportunity to reside in The Hightstown Housing Authority, you will be required to sign a lease with the Housing Authority. This lease will give you a firm understanding of your responsibilities as a resident and the responsibilities of The Hightstown Housing Authority as your landlord.