What Enfield Housing Authority Does

Enfield Housing Authority is the public housing agency for the town of Enfield, Connecticut. It owns and manages public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for residents who meet income limits. The Authority does not build new housing or provide cash information — it either owns the apartments directly or helps tenants pay rent to private landlords through vouchers.

The Authority serves families, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Most residents have household incomes below 50% of the area median income, though some programs serve households up to 80%. The Authority maintains a waitlist for both public housing and vouchers, and both lists are typically closed to new applications for extended periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Enfield Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies for private apartments).
  • Both the public housing waitlist and the voucher waitlist are usually closed, and you can only explore when the Authority opens applications, which happens irregularly.
  • Income limits vary by program and household size, but most applicants must earn less than 50% of the area median income for Enfield.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check; the process from process to move-in typically takes several months.
  • If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, contact your local 211 service or the Enfield Department of Social Services for emergency options outside the Authority's programs.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

Enfield Housing Authority owns approximately 400 public housing units scattered throughout town. These are apartments the Authority maintains and rents to low-income households. Rent is set at 30% of your household income, so it changes if your income changes. You explore to live in a specific building or complex, and the Authority assigns you a unit when one becomes available.

The Housing Choice Voucher program works differently. The Authority gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you can use to rent from any private landlord in Enfield or nearby towns who accepts the program. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to rent to you, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference — typically 30% of your income. Vouchers give you more choice in where to live, but not all landlords participate.

Both programs have separate waitlists. You can explore to both if you wish, but you cannot hold a voucher and live in public housing at the same time. The public housing waitlist is usually longer because the Authority owns fewer units than it issues vouchers.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Enfield Housing Authority uses income limits based on household size and the area median income for the Hartford metropolitan area. For public housing, the limit is typically 50% of area median income. For vouchers, it can be up to 80% of area median income, though the Authority prioritizes applicants below 50%. Income limits change yearly.

As of 2024, the area median income for a family of four in the Hartford region is approximately $95,000, which means the 50% limit is around $47,500. A family of one has a lower limit; a family of five has a higher one. The Authority counts gross income before taxes, including wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and most other sources. It does not count some benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in certain cases — ask the Authority directly about your situation.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a valid immigration status. The Authority will verify this through the Department of Homeland Security. You must also pass a background check, which screens for criminal history and prior evictions. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions can.

how the process works When the Waitlist Opens

Enfield Housing Authority opens its waitlists irregularly — sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes for a few months, then closes again. You can call the Authority at (860) 745-6127 to ask whether applications are currently open. You can also visit their office at 111 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT 06082 during business hours.

When the waitlist opens, you can explore in person, by mail, or sometimes online (check the Authority's website for the current method). You will need to bring or submit: a completed process form, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits letter), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or birth certificate), and a photo ID. If you are explore for a voucher, you may also need to provide references.

After you submit your process, the Authority places you on the waitlist in the order it received applications. It does not rank applicants by need or priority (with rare exceptions for people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence). Waiting times vary widely — from one to five years or longer, depending on how many units or vouchers become available and how many people are ahead of you.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once a unit or voucher becomes available and your name reaches the top of the waitlist, the Authority will contact you. For public housing, you will be offered a specific apartment. You can refuse it and stay on the waitlist, but if you refuse twice, you may be removed. For vouchers, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord agree to rent to you at a price the Authority approves.

Before you move in, the Authority will conduct a home inspection (for public housing) or a unit inspection (for vouchers) to may support the apartment meets housing quality standards. You will also sign a lease. For public housing, the lease is between you and the Authority. For vouchers, the lease is between you and the private landlord, but the Authority is also a party to the agreement.

Your rent is calculated at 30% of your household income. If your income changes, you must report it to the Authority within 30 days. Your rent will be adjusted accordingly. The Authority also recertifies your income annually, meaning you will need to provide updated pay stubs or benefit letters each year.

What to Do If the Waitlist Is Closed

If Enfield Housing Authority's waitlist is closed, you have several options. First, contact your local 211 service by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org. They can tell you about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing programs, or other housing resources in your area that may have open applications.

Second, reach out to the Enfield Department of Social Services at (860) 763-3000. If you are experiencing homelessness or an when ready housing crisis, they can connect you with emergency shelter or other crisis services. They may also know about other housing programs or waitlists that are currently open.

Third, check whether nearby housing authorities have open waitlists. Authorities in towns like Manchester, Wallingford, or Hartford may accept applications from Enfield residents. You can call their offices directly to ask. Some vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in other towns, though rules vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housing after I am approved?

The time from approval to move-in depends on whether you are in public housing or the voucher program. For public housing, it can take one to three months after your name reaches the top of the waitlist, depending on when a unit becomes available and how long inspections take. For vouchers, you typically have 60 days to find an apartment, and then another two to four weeks for inspection and lease signing.

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

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be reviewed during your background check. Recent evictions (within the last few years) are more likely to result in denial. Contact the Authority directly to discuss your specific situation before you explore, or ask a housing counselor to help you prepare your process.

What if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

If your income rises above the limit, you do not have to leave when ready. The Authority will recertify your income annually. If you remain over the limit for a set period (usually one to two years), you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase. Ask the Authority about their specific policy on income limits after move-in.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher outside of Enfield?

Yes, Housing Choice Vouchers are portable within the region, meaning you can use them in other towns. However, you must first move into an Enfield apartment with your voucher, live there for a set period (usually one year), and then request a transfer. You cannot use a voucher in another town when ready after receiving it.

What if I need housing right now and the waitlist is closed?

Call 211 or your local Department of Social Services. They can connect you with emergency shelter, rapid rehousing programs, or emergency rental information that may have faster timelines than the Authority's waitlist. Some programs are designed specifically for people in crisis and do not have long waitlists.