What the Allentown Housing Authority does

The Allentown Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It operates public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly called Section 8), which helps low-income residents pay rent at privately owned apartments. The Authority does not build or own all the housing itself — for vouchers, you rent from a private landlord who accepts the program, and the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to that landlord.

The AHA serves Allentown residents whose income falls below certain limits set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. The Authority is separate from the City of Allentown government, though it receives federal funding and operates under federal rules.

Key Takeaways

  • The Allentown Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income renters in Allentown.
  • You must meet income limits based on household size, which the Authority updates each year.
  • Public housing and vouchers have separate waiting lists, and both typically have long waits in Allentown.
  • You can contact the AHA directly at their office on Union Street to ask about current wait times and what documents you need to bring.
  • The voucher program lets you choose your own apartment from private landlords who participate, rather than moving into an Authority-owned building.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The AHA offers two main paths to affordable housing. Public housing means you rent an apartment that the Authority owns and maintains. The Authority sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of what your household earns. You live in an AHA-owned building, and the Authority handles repairs and maintenance.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. You find your own apartment in the private rental market, and the voucher covers part of the rent. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This gives you more choice in where you live — you are not limited to Authority-owned buildings. However, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher program, and the apartment must pass an inspection.

Both programs have income limits and both typically have waiting lists. The waiting list for public housing is often closed in Allentown because demand is high. The voucher program may also have a closed list, but this changes. Calling the Authority directly is the only way to know the current status.

Income limits and who can rent

To rent from the Allentown Housing Authority, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for public housing, or 80 percent of AMI for vouchers. These limits vary by household size — a single person has a different limit than a family of four. The Authority updates these numbers each year, usually in April.

You will need to provide proof of income when you explore. This typically means recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring documentation of those payments. The Authority will also run a background check and verify your rental history.

Being denied housing in the past, or having an eviction record, does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority considers the circumstances and how long ago the event occurred. It is worth asking about your specific situation rather than assuming you are ineligible.

How to contact the Allentown Housing Authority

The Allentown Housing Authority office is located at 1000 Union Street, Allentown, PA 18102. You can reach them by phone at (610) 434-7000. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. When you call, ask about the current status of the waiting list for both public housing and vouchers — this information changes, and staff can tell you whether the list is open or closed.

You can also visit in person to pick up an process or ask questions. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to discuss your income and housing situation. If you do not have all your documents ready, ask what you need to gather before you return to explore.

The Authority also has a website where you may find additional information about programs and requirements, though the phone number or in-person visit is the fastest way to learn about current waiting list status and next steps.

The waiting list and how long it takes

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists in Allentown. The length of the wait varies — it can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. The public housing waiting list is often closed because the wait is already very long.

When you are on the waiting list, the Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This is why it is important to keep your contact information current with the Authority. If you move or change your phone number, call them to update your file.

While you are waiting, you can still explore for other housing programs or look for market-rate housing. Being on the AHA waiting list does not prevent you from renting elsewhere. Some people use emergency rental information or other local programs while they wait for the Authority to reach their name on the list.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, the Authority will assign you to an available unit based on your family size and preferences. You will sign a lease and pay rent based on your income. The Authority handles maintenance and repairs — if something breaks, you contact the maintenance office.

If you are approved for a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. You search the private rental market for a place that accepts vouchers and fits within the voucher amount. Once you find a landlord willing to participate, the Authority inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, you sign a lease with the landlord, and the voucher program begins paying their portion of the rent.

In both cases, you are responsible for following the lease terms and paying your portion of the rent on time. The Authority can terminate your lease if you violate the terms or stop meeting income requirements.

Other resources in Allentown

The Allentown Housing Authority is one option, but other organizations in the area also help with affordable housing. The City of Allentown's Community Development office administers some housing programs. Local nonprofits like the Allentown Housing Authority's partner agencies may offer additional support or information about other programs.

If you need help paying rent right now — before you get on the waiting list or while you wait — ask the Authority staff about emergency rental information programs. These are separate from the Authority's regular programs and may be available through the city or county.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Allentown?

The wait time varies and changes as units become available. The public housing waiting list is often closed in Allentown because demand is very high. Call the Authority at (610) 434-7000 to ask whether the list is currently open and what the typical wait is if you do get on it.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher program, and the apartment must pass a housing quality inspection. You can search for participating landlords, but not every building or owner participates. The Authority can give you a list of landlords in the area who accept vouchers.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Income limits are firm — if you are over the limit, you do not meet the requirement for that program. However, limits change yearly, and your income may drop in the future. You can ask the Authority when you would be may be able to access to reapply, or explore other affordable housing programs that may have higher income thresholds.

Do I have to live in Allentown to use the Housing Authority?

Generally, yes. The Allentown Housing Authority serves Allentown residents. If you live outside the city, contact your local housing authority. Each municipality has its own authority or administers its own program.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The Authority considers how long ago it happened and the circumstances. Call or visit in person to discuss your situation with staff — they can tell you whether you are may be able to access or what you need to do to become may be able to access.