What is the Public Housing Program?
Public housing was established by the federal government under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Public Housing properties come in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments for seniors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal funds to local housing agencies, such as the Clearwater Housing Authority (CHA), that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. CHA was established in 1941 and is responsible for Public Housing properties within a service area of the City of Clearwater and a 10-mile radius of city limits.
Eligible residents are selected from a waiting list and must be income eligible. For more information on the Public Housing Program, please click here.
What are the income limits for the Public Housing Program?
Applicants for the Public Housing Program must income qualify according to the limits set forth each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Click here to view the current income limits for Pinellas County by household size.
Is your Public Housing waiting list open?
The waiting list for the Senior Public Housing Program is open. See Public Notice-2021 Senior Public Housing Program Waiting List Opening here.
How do I apply for public housing?
Applications for Public Housing only will be accepted when the waiting list is open. Currently, the list is closed, and CHA is not accepting applications. Click here for more information regarding Income-Based rental communities, including a downloadable list of subsidized properties and an assistance packet.
What number am I on the Public Housing waiting list?
CHA does not disclose your position on the Public Housing waiting list. However, you can confirm that you are currently active on the waiting list by accessing the HAB Owl system. This can be accessed through the “Helpful Links” tab on this website. Please keep in mind that it may take up to four (4) years to receive rental assistance once your application is posted to the waiting list.
I have already applied for CHA’s Public Housing waiting list, how long until I receive assistance?
It may take up to four (4) years to be pulled from the waiting list and receive assistance. This wait period depends on the amount of funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once pulled from the list, CHA will contact you via mail. Please make sure to submit, in writing, any changes in your address to CHA to ensure you receive this correspondence.
I am in need of rental assistance today, how can CHA help me?
CHA does not offer any emergency housing. However, you can download an Assistance Packet by clicking here. This assistance packet provides valuable information regarding emergency shelters, food pantries, clothing donations, or agencies that may be able to provide one-time assistance for rent or utility bills.