What the Allentown Housing Authority does

The Allentown Housing Authority (AHA) is a public agency that manages public housing units and administers housing vouchers in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It does not set policy for the city or county — it runs specific programs that help low-income households pay for rent. The Authority owns and maintains public housing buildings, and it distributes federal vouchers that subsidize rent at private landlords.

The AHA is separate from the City of Allentown government, though it receives federal funding and operates under federal rules. If you live in Allentown and need housing information, the Authority is usually the first place to contact because it controls the two largest programs: public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8).

Key Takeaways

  • The Allentown Housing Authority runs public housing buildings and distributes Section 8 vouchers, but both programs have long waiting lists that may be closed to new applicants.
  • You can contact the Authority directly at their main office to ask whether the waiting list is open and what documents you need to submit.
  • Public housing and vouchers are not the only options — the Authority can also refer you to emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or other local programs.
  • Income limits and rent contributions vary by program, so the Authority will calculate what you would pay based on your household size and income.

Public housing units managed by the Authority

The Allentown Housing Authority owns and operates public housing buildings throughout the city. These are apartments where the Authority is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum amount that varies by unit type. The Authority covers the rest of the cost through federal subsidies.

Public housing has income limits — your household income cannot exceed a certain threshold to move in. The limit depends on household size and changes yearly. Once you are living in public housing, your rent adjusts if your income changes, so you report income changes to the Authority each year.

The waiting list for public housing is typically long and may be closed. Contact the Authority directly to ask whether they are accepting new names on the list. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back to check.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, gives you a voucher that subsidizes rent at a private landlord of your choice. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher is portable — if you move to another city in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, you can transfer it to a new housing authority in that area. The Authority will tell you the process and timeline for transferring.

Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is typically closed. The Authority opens the list periodically, usually for a short window, and then closes it again when the list reaches a certain size. Call to ask the current status and whether you can request to be notified when it reopens.

How to contact the Allentown Housing Authority

The main office is located in Allentown. You can reach the Authority by phone or by visiting in person during business hours. When you call, have your household size, income range, and current housing situation ready — the staff can tell you quickly whether you meet basic income limits and whether waiting lists are open.

The Authority's phone line and office address are available through the City of Allentown's website or by searching "Allentown Housing Authority" online. Some housing authorities have online portals where you can check waiting list status, but you will need to confirm whether AHA offers this.

If you cannot reach the Authority or the waiting list is closed, ask the staff member whether they can refer you to other programs. Many housing authorities maintain lists of emergency rental information programs, rapid rehousing, or nonprofit housing organizations in the area.

Income limits and what you pay

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on the area median income for the Allentown region. The limits change each year and depend on household size. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. The Authority will tell you the current limits when you call.

Your rent contribution in either program is typically 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, with a minimum amount. If your income is very low, you may pay the minimum instead. The Authority recalculates your contribution each year when you report income.

If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave public housing or lose your voucher. The Authority will notify you of the important date and explain your options, which may include staying temporarily while you search for other housing.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waiting lists. The length varies — public housing waiting lists in Allentown may be several years long, while Section 8 lists can be even longer. The Authority prioritizes applicants based on date of process and sometimes based on need (for example, homelessness or disability).

When a unit or voucher becomes available, the Authority contacts the next person on the list. You must respond within a set timeframe, usually a few days to a week. If you do not respond, you may be skipped and moved to the bottom of the list or removed entirely.

Ask the Authority what the current wait time is for each program. This gives you a realistic sense of whether to expect housing within months or years. If the wait is very long, explore other options while you are on the list.

Other programs and referrals

The Allentown Housing Authority does not run every housing program in the city. If you need help now and the Authority's waiting lists are closed or very long, ask them to refer you to emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or transitional housing programs. Many of these programs have shorter timelines and different income rules.

You can also contact 211 Pennsylvania (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) to search for housing programs in Allentown. The 211 service maintains a database of local nonprofits, government programs, and emergency services. Staff can tell you which programs are currently open and what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open right now?

Call the Allentown Housing Authority directly — they can tell you in one call whether the public housing or Section 8 waiting list is open. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back to check. Some housing authorities send notifications when a list reopens, so ask if that option is available.

What documents do I need to bring to the office?

You will need proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of identity, and proof of residency in Allentown. The Authority will give you a complete list when you call or visit. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes, most housing authorities allow you to be on both lists. You can accept whichever becomes available first. Tell the Authority that you want to be on both lists so they do not remove you from one when you accept the other.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing or using a voucher?

Your rent will increase to reflect the higher income. The Authority recalculates your contribution each year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave or lose your voucher, though the Authority usually gives you time to find other housing.

Are there programs that do not have waiting lists?

Yes. Emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, and some nonprofit housing programs often have shorter timelines and no waiting lists. Ask the Allentown Housing Authority to refer you, or call 211 to find programs currently open in your area.