What the Contra Costa Housing Authority does

The Contra Costa Housing Authority (CCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs across Contra Costa County, California. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other information programs. CCHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it manages a waiting list for people seeking vouchers.

CCHA serves the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County and some cities that contract with it. The agency's main office is in Concord. If you live in a city like Richmond, Walnut Creek, or Pittsburg, your city may run its own housing authority, or CCHA may serve you — this depends on local agreements and changes over time.

The most common reason people contact CCHA is to get on the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher, which pays part of your rent at a private apartment. CCHA also manages public housing units (apartments CCHA owns), emergency information programs, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Key Takeaways

  • CCHA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information across Contra Costa County, though some cities run their own programs.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed and can have thousands of people on it; you can only join when CCHA opens it, which may happen once every several years.
  • To reach CCHA, call their main office in Concord or visit their website to find the right department for your situation.
  • Income limits, rent payment rules, and lease requirements vary by program, so confirm which program you are asking about before you call.
  • CCHA's processing times and current program status change; always check their website or call before making plans based on what you read elsewhere.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. CCHA pays your landlord a portion of your rent each month; you pay the rest. To get a voucher, you must be on CCHA's waiting list, and the waiting list is almost always closed. When it does open, hundreds or thousands of people join in a short window — sometimes just a few days.

CCHA opens the waiting list irregularly. There is no set schedule. The last major opening was in 2020, and the list filled within days. You can contact CCHA to ask when the list might open next, but staff cannot predict this with certainty. Some people wait years between openings.

Income limits for Section 8 vary by family size and change annually. CCHA publishes the current limits on its website. Generally, a single person earning more than 50% of the area median income will not meet the income limit, but this threshold shifts each year. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check.

Once you are on the waiting list, CCHA contacts you when a voucher becomes available. The wait can be years. When your turn comes, you search for an apartment yourself, negotiate with the landlord, and CCHA inspects the unit and signs the lease with you and the landlord.

Public housing and CCHA-owned units

CCHA owns and manages public housing apartments in several communities across the county. These are not the same as Section 8 vouchers. You explore directly to live in a CCHA building, and CCHA is your landlord. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30% of your gross monthly income.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. This list is also usually closed, but it may open at different times than the Section 8 list. CCHA prioritizes people experiencing homelessness and those with the greatest need on some lists.

Public housing units are scattered across the county. CCHA manages family apartments, senior housing, and units for people with disabilities. You can ask CCHA which developments have openings or are accepting new applications.

Emergency rental information and other programs

CCHA administers emergency rental information when funding is available. This program pays landlords for rent you already owe, not rent coming due. Funding comes from federal or state sources and runs out; when it does, the program closes until new money arrives.

To reach emergency information, call CCHA's main number and ask which department handles emergency rental help. You will need proof of income loss, a signed lease, and your landlord's contact information. Processing times vary depending on how many people are explore and how much money is available.

CCHA also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, often in partnership with nonprofits. These programs combine housing with case management and mental health or substance abuse services. You usually reach these through a homeless services agency or shelter rather than by calling CCHA directly.

How to contact Contra Costa Housing Authority

CCHA's main office is located in Concord. The phone number and mailing address are on the CCHA website. You can also visit in person, though calling first is usually faster because staff can direct you to the right department.

When you call, be ready to say which program you are asking about — Section 8, public housing, emergency information, or something else. Different departments handle different programs, and a staff member can transfer you or tell you the correct number to call.

CCHA's website lists current program status, waiting list openings, and income limits. Check there first to see if the program you want is currently open or closed. The website also has process forms and required documents lists for each program.

Some cities in Contra Costa County run their own housing authorities. If you live in Richmond, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, or another city, confirm whether your city has its own authority or whether CCHA serves you. Calling your city's housing or community development department can clarify this.

Income limits, rent rules, and lease requirements

Every CCHA program has income limits based on family size and area median income. These limits change each year. CCHA publishes the current limits on its website, organized by program and family size. You must report your household income accurately; CCHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.

In Section 8, you pay 30% of your gross income toward rent, and CCHA pays the rest up to a limit called the "payment standard." If the apartment costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you pay 30% of your income and CCHA pays the rest.

Your landlord must agree to accept a Section 8 voucher. Not all landlords do. The unit must pass a CCHA inspection for health and safety. If it fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

In public housing, your rent is 30% of your income. CCHA is your landlord and can evict you for lease violations just as a private landlord can. You have the right to a hearing before eviction.

Processing times and what to expect

Processing times depend on the program and how many people are explore. Section 8 waiting list processing can take months or years because you are waiting for a voucher to become available, not waiting for an process to be reviewed. Public housing applications may be reviewed within weeks or months, depending on demand.

Emergency rental information moves faster when funding is available — usually two to four weeks — but can stall if the program runs out of money. CCHA will tell you the current wait time when you explore.

You will need to provide documents: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, proof of residency, and a signed lease (for Section 8 and emergency information). CCHA will give you a full list when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my city has its own housing authority or if CCHA serves me?

Call your city's housing or community development department and ask. Some cities like Richmond and Walnut Creek run their own authorities. Others contract with CCHA. Your city's website usually lists which agency handles housing programs.

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

Yes. They are separate lists and separate programs. You can join both when they are open. If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you must usually decline public housing if offered, or vice versa, because you cannot use both at the same time.

What happens if I miss a call from CCHA about a voucher or apartment?

CCHA will try to reach you again, but if you do not respond within a set time frame (usually a few days), they may move to the next person on the list. Keep your phone number current with CCHA and answer calls from unknown numbers during the time you are waiting.

Does CCHA help with down payments or moving costs?

Not typically. CCHA pays rent subsidies and manages housing, but does not provide moving information or deposits. Some nonprofits in Contra Costa County offer moving help; ask CCHA or call 211 for referrals.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Contra Costa County?

Yes, but you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have vouchers available. Contact CCHA to start the transfer process. Moving to a different county can take several months.