What the Elkhart Housing Authority does

The Elkhart Housing Authority (EHA) is a public agency that runs rental information and public housing programs in Elkhart, Indiana. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — instead, it administers federal money to help low-income residents afford rent, and it manages a smaller portfolio of public housing units. If you live in Elkhart and need help paying rent, or if you are interested in public housing, EHA is the local body that handles both.

EHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs follow national guidelines, but EHA staff make decisions about who gets help and when, based on local need and available funding. The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and has a main office where you can visit in person or call with questions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elkhart Housing Authority runs public housing units and administers rental information funded by federal money, not city or state funds alone.
  • To reach EHA, you can visit their office in person, call, or check their website for current program status and waiting list information.
  • Public housing through EHA requires income verification and a background check, and most units have long waiting lists.
  • Rental information programs through EHA cover part or all of your rent if you meet income and other requirements, but funding is limited and programs may close when money runs out.
  • EHA also manages Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), which let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent to the owner.

Public housing units managed by EHA

EHA owns and manages public housing apartments and townhouses throughout Elkhart. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent rental homes for low-income households. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, which means your share goes down if your income drops and up if it rises. The agency handles maintenance, utilities in some cases, and lease enforcement.

To move into public housing, you must meet income limits (which vary by household size), pass a background check, and provide proof of income and residency. Most EHA public housing has a waiting list, sometimes a long one. You can ask EHA for the current wait time when you contact them. Once you are on the list, EHA will call you when a unit becomes available that matches your family size.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

EHA also administers Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8. This program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay your share (usually 30 percent of income), and the program pays the landlord the rest, up to a limit set by HUD for your area.

The voucher program has its own waiting list, separate from public housing. Waiting times can be years in some cases. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a landlord and a unit that meets program standards. EHA staff inspect the unit to make sure it is safe and meets housing quality standards before you can move in.

How to contact the Elkhart Housing Authority

You can reach EHA by phone, email, or by visiting their office in person. The main office is located in Elkhart; you can find the exact address and phone number on the EHA website or by calling directory information. EHA staff can tell you about current programs, waiting list status, and what documents you need to bring if you want to explore for public housing or a voucher.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) ready. If you are explore for public housing, you will also need to provide names and dates of birth for everyone in your household. EHA will explain the next steps and tell you whether a program is currently open or if there is a waiting list.

Income limits and rent calculations

EHA programs have income limits based on the area median income for Elkhart. These limits change each year and vary by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. You can ask EHA what the current limits are, or check HUD's website for Elkhart income limits.

Once you are in public housing or receive a voucher, your rent is recalculated each year based on your household income. If your income goes up, your rent share increases. If your income drops, your rent share decreases. You must report income changes to EHA within a set timeframe — usually 30 days — so they can adjust your rent correctly.

Background checks and lease requirements

EHA requires a background check for anyone explore for public housing or a voucher. The check looks at criminal history, eviction history, and whether you have unpaid debts to previous landlords or housing programs. A criminal conviction or recent eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but EHA will consider the nature and timing of the offense or eviction.

If you are approved, you sign a lease with EHA (for public housing) or with a private landlord (for vouchers). The lease sets out your responsibilities: paying rent on time, keeping the unit clean, reporting maintenance problems, and following community rules. Breaking the lease can result in eviction, which is why it is important to understand the terms before you sign.

Waiting lists and how they work

Both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers have waiting lists in Elkhart. The length of the wait depends on how many units or vouchers are available and how many people are ahead of you. Some waiting lists are open year-round; others close when they reach a certain size and reopen later.

When you are on a waiting list, EHA will contact you when something becomes available. You will have a limited time to respond — usually a few days — or you may lose your place. If you move, change your phone number, or want to withdraw your name, you must tell EHA in writing. Waiting lists are managed by date of process, though some programs give priority to people with disabilities, veterans, or families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher from EHA?

It depends on the waiting list. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call EHA and ask for the current average wait time for the program you are interested in. They can also tell you whether the waiting list is open right now or closed.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

If your income rises above the program limit, you may have to leave public housing or lose your voucher. However, some programs allow a grace period. Ask EHA about their income recertification rules and what happens if you earn more money.

Can I own a car or have savings and still live in EHA housing?

Yes. EHA does not count a car as an asset for income purposes. Savings and bank accounts may count toward an asset limit, but the limit is usually high enough that most people do not hit it. Ask EHA about current asset rules when you explore.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but EHA will look at when it happened and why. Recent evictions are harder to overcome than older ones. Be honest about it when you explore, and ask EHA what their policy is on eviction history.

Can I transfer to a different EHA unit or neighborhood?

If you are already in public housing, you may be able to transfer to another unit, but it depends on availability and EHA policy. Contact your lease manager or the main office to ask about transfer options and any fees or waiting periods involved.