How the Elkhart Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Elkhart Housing Authority Does

The Elkhart Housing Authority (EHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Elkhart, Indiana. It does not set may be able to access rules — those come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — but EHA administers the programs locally, manages the waiting lists, processes paperwork, and inspects units. If you live in Elkhart and want public housing or a Section 8 voucher, EHA is the office you contact.

The Authority operates from a single main office. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or check their website for current contact details and office hours. EHA staff can tell you whether a waiting list is open, what documents you need, and how long the wait typically is in your area.

Key Takeaways

The Elkhart Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (where EHA owns the building) and Section 8 vouchers (where you rent from a private landlord and the voucher covers part of the rent).
Both programs have waiting lists that open and close based on demand; you must contact EHA directly to find out whether you can add your name right now.
Income limits exist for both programs and vary by household size; EHA will tell you the current limits when you call or visit.
You will need proof of income, identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a signed lease (for Section 8) before EHA can process your paperwork.
Processing times vary, but you should expect several weeks to several months from the time you submit complete paperwork to the time you move in or receive a voucher.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers

EHA manages two different housing programs, and they work in very different ways. Public housing means EHA owns the building and you pay rent directly to EHA. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, or the minimum rent if that is higher (usually $25 to $50 per month). You live in an EHA-owned unit, and EHA handles maintenance and repairs.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. You find your own apartment or house from a private landlord, and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference. The voucher amount depends on the size of the unit and the local market rent; you keep any difference if you find a cheaper place. You are responsible for finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass an EHA inspection before you can move in.

Both programs have income limits and both require you to be on a waiting list. The waiting list for public housing and the waiting list for Section 8 are separate — you can be on both at the same time. EHA will tell you the current wait time for each when you contact them.

Income Limits and Household Composition

Both public housing and Section 8 have maximum income limits based on the size of your household. These limits change each year and vary by county. For Elkhart (which is in St. Joseph County), the limits are set by HUD and published by EHA. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, and so on.

Your household includes everyone living in the unit — spouse, children, and any other dependents. EHA counts income from all household members, including wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and other sources. Some income is excluded (such as income of children under 18 who are in school), but EHA will explain what counts when you explore.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be on the waiting list. If your income rises after you move into public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, EHA has rules about what happens next — usually you can stay, but your rent may increase. Ask EHA about income limits and what counts as income before you spend time on the paperwork.

How to Get on the Waiting List

Contact the Elkhart Housing Authority directly by phone or in person. Tell them you want to know whether the waiting list is open for public housing, Section 8, or both. If a list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some programs reopen once a year, others when units become available. EHA staff can tell you the current status and what to expect.

If the list is open, EHA will give you an process form and a list of documents you need to bring. You will need to prove your identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Elkhart. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

For Section 8, you will also need to provide information about any current lease or rental history. Once you submit a complete process, EHA will place you on the waiting list in the order applications were received (or sometimes by priority, depending on local rules). EHA will contact you when your name reaches the top of the list.

What Happens After You Are Called from the Waiting List

When your name comes up, EHA will contact you by phone or mail. For public housing, you will be offered an available unit. You can accept or decline; if you decline, you stay on the list but may move down depending on local policy. If you accept, you will sign a lease with EHA and move in. Your rent will be 30 percent of your income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher).

For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and a important date to find a unit — usually 60 to 90 days. You search for an apartment or house yourself, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a signed lease, you give it to EHA. EHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, clean, working utilities, no lead paint hazards). If it passes, EHA signs the lease with the landlord and you move in. Your portion of the rent is 30 percent of your income; the voucher pays the rest up to the voucher amount.

Both processes take time. From the moment you submit your process to the moment you move in can be several months, depending on how long the waiting list is and how quickly you find a unit (for Section 8).

Documents You Will Need

Bring originals or certified copies of the following when you explore:

A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for the head of household
Social Security cards or Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of income for the past 30 days (recent pay stubs, unemployment letter, Social Security statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead)
Proof of residency in Elkhart (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
For Section 8 only: a signed lease or rental agreement once you find a unit

If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. If you have no income, bring a letter explaining your situation. EHA may ask for additional documents depending on your circumstances — ask what they need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

The waiting list time varies. Some people wait a few months; others wait a year or more, depending on how many people are on the list and how many units become available. For Section 8, once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 90 days to find a unit. EHA can tell you the current average wait time when you call.

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

Yes. The two waiting lists are separate, and you can add your name to both. You can accept whichever offer comes first, and EHA will remove you from the other list.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

For public housing, your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. For Section 8, the same applies — your portion of the rent goes up, but the voucher amount stays the same. You can stay in your unit, but you will pay more. Ask EHA about the exact rules in your situation.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

It can be difficult. Some landlords refuse vouchers. EHA may have a list of landlords who accept Section 8, or you can search online for "Section 8 friendly" apartments in Elkhart. If you cannot find a unit before your voucher expires, talk to EHA about whether you can get an extension.

Do I have to live in Elkhart to use public housing or Section 8?

You must live in Elkhart to be on EHA's waiting list. Once you have a voucher, you may be able to move to another city and use the voucher there, but you need to ask EHA about portability rules first.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.