What the Contra Costa County Housing Authority does
The Contra Costa County Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs for lower-income residents across Contra Costa County, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers (which help pay rent at private landlords), manages public housing properties, and runs other information programs. The Authority is separate from your city government — it covers the whole county and answers to its own board of commissioners.
The Housing Authority does not decide who gets help based on a single process. Instead, it runs different programs with different rules, income limits, and wait lists. Some programs are for families, some for seniors, some for people with disabilities. Understanding which program might work for your situation is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- The Contra Costa County Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other programs — each with separate wait lists and income limits.
- You contact the Housing Authority directly to learn about programs and get on a wait list; there is no single county process.
- Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent; public housing means you rent a property the Authority owns.
- Wait lists can be years long, and some programs close to new applicants when the list gets too large.
- The Housing Authority's main office is in Concord, but you can reach them by phone or mail to ask which programs are open.
Section 8 vouchers and how they work
A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. The Housing Authority gives you a voucher that lets you rent from a private landlord — any landlord who will accept it. The Authority pays the landlord a portion of your rent (usually 70 to 80 percent), and you pay the rest. You keep the same voucher if you move, so you are not locked into one apartment or one neighborhood.
To get a Section 8 voucher, you must be on the Housing Authority's wait list. The wait list for Contra Costa County is typically several years long, and the Authority closes it to new applicants when it reaches a certain size. You can call or visit their office to find out whether the list is open right now. If it is closed, you can ask to be notified when it reopens.
Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord and a rental unit. The landlord must pass a Housing Authority inspection, and your rent cannot be more than the Authority's payment standard for your area. If you find a place that costs more, you pay the difference yourself.
Public housing and other programs
The Housing Authority also owns and manages public housing properties — apartments and complexes it rents directly to residents. Public housing has its own wait list, separate from Section 8. The rent you pay is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing is not temporary; you can stay as long as you meet the program rules.
Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the Authority runs programs for specific populations. These may include housing for seniors, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness. Each program has its own income limits, wait list, and rules. Some are funded by the county, some by the state, and some by federal grants that come and go.
The Housing Authority's website lists current programs, but the fastest way to find out what is available for your situation is to call their main office. Staff can tell you which programs you might be able to join and whether their wait lists are open.
Income limits and who can join
Every Housing Authority program has an income limit. For Section 8 and public housing, the limit is usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program. For Contra Costa County, this means a family of four might need to earn less than $50,000 to $80,000 per year, though the exact number changes yearly and varies by city.
Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular money coming in. The Housing Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income. If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to join that program, but you might be able to join a different one with a higher limit.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Housing Authority will ask for proof of citizenship or a green card. If you have questions about your immigration status and whether you can join, call and ask — staff can often answer without requiring you to come in.
How to contact the Contra Costa County Housing Authority
The Housing Authority's main office is located in Concord. You can reach them by phone to ask about programs, find out whether wait lists are open, and request an process. You can also visit in person, though calling first to confirm hours is a good idea.
When you call, have your household size, income range, and any special circumstances ready (for example, if you have a disability or are a senior). This helps staff point you to the right program. If you do not speak English fluently, ask whether an interpreter is available.
The Housing Authority's website has program information, but it does not let you explore online. You will need to contact them directly to get an process and ask questions about your specific situation.
Wait lists and how long they take
Most Housing Authority programs use wait lists. When you submit an process, your name goes on the list in the order it was received (or sometimes by lottery, depending on the program). You wait until your name comes up and a unit or voucher becomes available.
For Section 8 in Contra Costa County, the wait can be several years. Public housing wait lists are often shorter but still measured in months or years. Some programs move faster than others. When you explore, ask how long the current wait is — this gives you a realistic idea of timing.
While you are on the wait list, your circumstances may change. If your income goes up, you move, or your household size changes, tell the Housing Authority. Some changes might affect your status on the list or your may be able to access for the program.
What happens after you are approved
If you are approved for Section 8, the Housing Authority gives you a voucher and a packet of information about how to use it. You then search for a rental unit on your own. Once you find a place and a landlord agrees to rent to you, the Housing Authority inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing standards. If it passes, the Authority signs a lease with the landlord and you move in.
If you are approved for public housing, the Housing Authority will contact you when a unit matching your family size becomes available. You will be offered a specific apartment. If you turn it down, you may lose your spot on the wait list, so understand the offer before you decline.
After you move in, you will have an annual recertification. The Housing Authority will ask about your income, household size, and any changes in your situation. Your rent payment may go up or down based on your current income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be on multiple wait lists at the same time?
Yes. You can explore for Section 8, public housing, and other programs all at once. Each has its own wait list and process. Being on multiple lists increases your chances of getting housing, though you will need to notify the Housing Authority if you are approved for one program and want to withdraw from another.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
The Housing Authority has rules about criminal history and past evictions, but they do not automatically disqualify you. Each case is reviewed individually. Call and ask whether your situation would prevent you from joining a program — staff can often give you a preliminary answer without a full process.
Do I have to stay in Contra Costa County to keep my voucher or housing?
Section 8 vouchers can be used in other counties if you move, but you must request a transfer from the Contra Costa Housing Authority first. Public housing is tied to the Authority's properties, so you cannot take it with you if you move out of the county. Ask about the rules for your specific program before you move.
What if the wait list is closed?
When a wait list is closed, you cannot explore right now, but you can ask to be notified when it reopens. Some lists reopen every year or two; others stay closed for longer. Call the Housing Authority and ask when they expect to open the list again, and request that they contact you when they do.
How do I know if I make too much money?
Income limits change every year and vary by program and family size. The Housing Authority can tell you the current limit for any program in one phone call. Have your household size and recent income information ready when you call, and they can tell you whether you are within the limit.