What the Chesapeake Redevelopment Housing Authority does

The Chesapeake Redevelopment Housing Authority (CRHA) is the public housing agency for the city of Chesapeake, Virginia. It owns and manages public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the area, and runs other affordable housing programs. CRHA does not build or finance housing itself — it leases units from private owners, receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and uses that money to subsidize rent for people who meet income limits.

If you live in Chesapeake and are looking for affordable housing, CRHA is the organisation you contact. They maintain waiting lists for public housing and vouchers, process applications, and determine who can move into available units. Response times and availability change throughout the year depending on funding and turnover.

Key Takeaways

  • CRHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers in Chesapeake; you must explore directly to them, not through a state or federal office.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists, and both require your household income to fall below a set limit that changes yearly.
  • Public housing is owned by CRHA; Section 8 vouchers let you rent from private landlords who accept the program.
  • You can explore for public housing and Section 8 at the same time, and being on one waiting list does not affect the other.
  • CRHA's office is located in Chesapeake, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current waiting list status.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

CRHA runs two separate programs. Public housing means CRHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers mean you find a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher, and CRHA pays part of your rent to that landlord. The rent you pay out of pocket is usually 30 percent of your household income, though this can vary.

Public housing is often faster to move into if a unit becomes available, because CRHA controls the property and can process your move quickly. Section 8 vouchers give you more choice in where you live — you can search for an apartment anywhere in Chesapeake or nearby areas where the voucher is accepted — but you have to find a landlord willing to participate in the program. Some landlords refuse Section 8 tenants, so the search can take longer.

Both programs have waiting lists. Both require your income to be below a certain threshold. You can explore to both at the same time and be on both waiting lists simultaneously.

Income limits and household size

CRHA sets income limits based on household size and area median income. These limits change every year, usually in April. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. If your income exceeds the limit for your household size, you will not be found to meet the requirement.

When you explore, you will need to provide proof of income — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or child support, those count as income. CRHA will add up all sources and compare the total to the limit for your household size.

If your income is at or below the limit when you explore, you remain on the waiting list even if your income later rises above the limit. However, if you are offered a unit or voucher and your income has since risen above the limit, CRHA may deny the offer. Contact CRHA directly to learn the current income limits for your household size.

how the process works and what documents you need

You explore directly to CRHA, not through a state office or online portal. You can visit their office in person, call to request an process by mail, or check their website to see if online applications are available. The process and available methods change, so contacting them first is the fastest way to learn your options.

When you explore, bring or submit proof of identity (a driver's license or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency in Chesapeake or the surrounding area (a utility bill or lease). If you have a criminal history or eviction record, CRHA will review it — they do not automatically deny applicants with this history, but they do consider it. If you are currently homeless or living in temporary housing, you can still explore.

After you submit your process, CRHA will contact you to verify the information. This can take several weeks. They will tell you whether you have been placed on the waiting list and, if so, your position on that list.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists in Chesapeake. How long you wait depends on your household size, the type of unit you need, and how many units become available. Some waiting lists are several years long; others move faster. CRHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call or visit.

Your position on the waiting list is based on the date you applied and, in some cases, on preferences CRHA uses — for example, people experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing may move up the list. CRHA will contact you when a unit or voucher is available for your household size. You then have a set number of days to accept or decline the offer.

If you decline an offer, you stay on the waiting list but may move down in priority. If you accept, you move into the unit or begin searching for a rental property with your voucher. If your contact information changes, tell CRHA when ready so they can reach you when something becomes available.

What happens after you are offered housing

If you are offered public housing, CRHA will show you the unit, explain the lease, and ask you to sign. You will pay rent based on 30 percent of your income (or the amount set by CRHA policy). CRHA handles maintenance and repairs; you are responsible for keeping the unit clean and following lease rules.

If you are offered a Section 8 voucher, you receive a document that shows landlords you have a subsidy. You then search for a rental property in Chesapeake or nearby areas. Once you find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, CRHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, CRHA signs a contract with the landlord, and you move in. You pay your share of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) directly to the landlord; CRHA pays the rest.

In both cases, you must follow the lease and CRHA's rules. Violations can result in eviction. CRHA can also terminate your information if your income rises significantly above the limit, though they usually give you time to adjust.

Contacting CRHA and finding current information

CRHA's main office is in Chesapeake. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, process methods, current income limits, and average wait times. Their phone number and office address are available on the CRHA website or through a local directory search.

You can also visit in person to pick up an process, ask questions, or submit documents. Some CRHA offices offer limited hours or require appointments, so calling ahead is a good idea. If you need language interpretation or have a disability that requires accommodation, tell CRHA when you contact them.

CRHA's website may have information about current programs, waiting list status, and how the process works. However, the most reliable way to learn whether waiting lists are open, how long they are, and what documents you need is to call or visit directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, and being on one waiting list does not affect your standing on the other. You can explore to both and wait for whichever becomes available first. Some people are offered public housing while still waiting for a Section 8 voucher, or vice versa.

What if I have an eviction or criminal record?

CRHA reviews criminal history and eviction records but does not automatically deny applicants. They consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and other factors. Contact CRHA to discuss your specific situation; they can tell you whether your history will affect your standing.

Do I have to live in Chesapeake to explore?

You must live in Chesapeake or the surrounding area served by CRHA. Some programs serve a wider region than others. Call CRHA to confirm whether your current address makes you may be able to access to explore.

What if my income changes after I explore?

Report income changes to CRHA. If your income rises above the limit after you are offered housing, CRHA may deny the offer or terminate your information. If your income drops, it does not hurt your standing on the waiting list.

How do I know if a unit or voucher is available for me?

CRHA will contact you using the phone number and address you provided on your process. Make sure to update your contact information if you move or change your phone number. If CRHA cannot reach you, they may offer the unit or voucher to the next person on the list.