What the Canton Housing Authority does

The Canton Housing Authority is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in Canton, Ohio, and administers rental information programs for low-income residents. It does not build or finance private homes — it runs apartment complexes and voucher programs that help people afford rent in the private market. The Authority answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority operates two main programs: public housing (where it owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent). Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits. The Authority also manages emergency rental information when federal funds are available, though those programs open and close depending on funding.

Key Takeaways

  • The Canton Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both for low-income households with documented income below the federal limit for Stark County.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and you must reapply if you do not hear from the Authority within a set time frame.
  • Public housing means renting from the Authority itself; vouchers mean renting from a private landlord who accepts the program.
  • You can contact the Authority by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you need.
  • The Authority also runs emergency rental information when federal funding is available, though these programs are temporary and often have separate waiting lists.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means you rent an apartment that the Canton Housing Authority owns. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), and the Authority covers the rest of the cost. The Authority maintains the building, handles repairs, and sets the lease terms. Public housing is concentrated in specific neighborhoods in Canton, and the Authority decides which units are available when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.

A Housing Choice Voucher works differently. You find your own apartment in the private rental market — anywhere in Stark County or sometimes beyond — and the landlord must accept the voucher program. The Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent (called the "housing information payment"), and you pay the difference out of pocket, also set at roughly 30 percent of your income. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to participate, and the unit must pass an Authority inspection.

Both programs require your household income to fall below the federal limit for Stark County. That limit changes yearly and depends on household size. Both also have waiting lists, and both require you to report changes in income or household composition.

Income limits and who can explore

The Canton Housing Authority sets income limits based on federal guidelines for Stark County. These limits vary by household size — a single person has a different limit than a family of four. The limits also change each year, usually in April. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you receive benefits (Social Security, unemployment, child support), those count as income too.

You do not have to be a Canton resident to explore, though the Authority serves Stark County. You do need a valid Social Security number and proof of identity. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, you may still be considered, but the Authority reviews each case. Families with children, elderly people, and people with disabilities are not given preference in the order of the waiting list, but some programs (like Family Self-Sufficiency) are designed for specific groups.

How to get on the waiting list

Contact the Canton Housing Authority directly to ask how the process works. You can call their main office, visit in person, or mail a request. The Authority will tell you whether the waiting list is open — many housing authorities close their lists when they are years long. If the list is open, you will receive an process form and a list of documents to bring: proof of income, proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

Complete the process and return it by the important date the Authority gives you. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you submitted it — your place on the waiting list is determined by the date you explore, not the date you are approved. If you do not hear from the Authority within the timeframe they specify (usually 30 to 90 days), call to confirm they received your process. If the waiting list closes before you explore, ask when it will reopen.

Once you are on the waiting list, the Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you. You must keep your contact information current — if the Authority cannot reach you, they may remove you from the list.

What documents you will need

The Canton Housing Authority requires proof of income for all working household members. This usually means recent pay stubs (typically the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or your most recent tax return. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a letter explaining your situation.

You will also need proof of identity (a driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2). If you have children, bring birth certificates. Bring proof of residency if you have one — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency. The Authority may also ask for references from previous landlords or employers.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the Authority tells you otherwise. Ask the Authority for a complete list of required documents before you visit or mail your process — requirements can vary by program.

Waiting times and what to expect

Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers in Canton are typically measured in years, not months. The exact wait depends on how many people are ahead of you, how many units or vouchers become available, and whether you may have access to for any priority categories. Some authorities prioritize people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, but this varies by program and funding.

While you wait, keep your contact information current with the Authority. If you move, call or visit to update your address and phone number. If your income changes significantly, report it — some programs have income limits, and earning too much can remove you from the list or change your rent calculation. Do not assume the Authority will find you; you are responsible for staying in touch.

Once the Authority calls you, you will have a limited time to respond and complete the next steps (usually 10 to 30 days). If you miss the important date, you may lose your place. If you are offered a unit or voucher and turn it down, you may be removed from the list or moved to the back of it, depending on the Authority's policy.

Emergency rental information and other programs

When federal emergency rental information funding is available, the Canton Housing Authority sometimes administers it. These programs pay rent arrears (money you already owe) directly to your landlord and are temporary — they open when funding arrives and close when money runs out. They have separate waiting lists from regular public housing and vouchers, and they have their own income limits and documentation requirements.

The Authority may also run programs like Family Self-Sufficiency, which combines housing information with job training and financial counseling for families working toward self-sufficiency. These programs are competitive and may have their own process process. Ask the Authority what programs are currently available and whether you meet the requirements for any of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the Canton Housing Authority?

Call their main office during business hours, visit in person at their administrative office, or mail a letter requesting information. The Authority's phone number and address are available through the City of Canton's website or by searching "Canton Housing Authority" online. Have your Social Security number and household income information ready when you call.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and vouchers at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, so you can explore to both. You will have a different place on each waiting list, and you may be offered a voucher before public housing, or vice versa. Tell the Authority if your situation changes and you no longer want to be on one of the lists.

What happens if my income goes above the limit while I am waiting?

Contact the Authority when ready to report the change. Depending on the program and how much your income increased, you may be removed from the waiting list or your may be able to access may be suspended temporarily. Some programs allow your income to exceed the limit for a short time before you lose information.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes, but the Authority will review your case. They consider the reason for the eviction, how long ago it happened, and whether you have paid any judgments. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may delay approval or affect which units you are offered.

What if I move out of Stark County while waiting?

Tell the Authority when ready. If you move outside their service area, you will likely be removed from the waiting list. If you move within Stark County, update your address so they can reach you. Some voucher programs allow you to move to other counties or states, but you must ask the Authority about portability before you move.