What the Evansville Housing Authority Does

The Evansville Housing Authority (EHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Evansville, Indiana. It does not provide emergency rental information or one-time grants — it manages long-term affordable housing through two main programs. The Authority owns and operates public housing apartments, and it distributes federal vouchers that help tenants pay rent in privately owned buildings.

EHA serves Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville. If you live in that area and need affordable housing, EHA is the body that determines whether you meet income limits, maintains waiting lists, and processes your paperwork. You cannot explore for housing through a website or a third party — you must contact EHA directly at their office or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • EHA runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments EHA owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information for private apartments).
  • Both programs require you to meet income limits based on your household size, and both have waiting lists that can be months or years long.
  • You explore in person at the EHA office in Evansville; there is no online process or phone-only process.
  • EHA will ask for proof of income, residency, identity, and Social Security numbers for all household members before you are placed on a waiting list.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, EHA contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available, but the timeline depends on demand and funding.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: Which Program Is Which

EHA owns and rents public housing apartments directly to tenants. You pay rent to EHA, and your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your monthly gross income. EHA maintains the building, handles repairs, and collects rent. Public housing is usually older and concentrated in specific neighborhoods in Evansville.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. EHA gives you a voucher (a document that proves you are may be able to access for rent information), and you use it to rent an apartment from any private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. You pay a portion of the rent, and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by EHA. You are responsible for finding the apartment and negotiating with the landlord; EHA does not find housing for you.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are often shorter but move slowly because EHA has fewer units. Section 8 waiting lists are typically longer but may move faster in some cases because more vouchers are available. EHA can tell you the current wait time for each program when you contact them.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both EHA programs have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Evansville. The limits change each year. For example, a single person might have a limit around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, and a family of four might have a limit around $50,000 to $60,000, but these figures vary by year and are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

You must provide proof of your household income for the past 30 days — usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits, you will need documentation from the benefit program. Self-employed people must provide tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

EHA also checks your background, including rental history and any criminal convictions. You do not automatically disqualify based on a criminal record, but EHA reviews each case. If you have been evicted in the past, EHA may ask for details about the circumstances.

how the process works and What Documents You Need

You must explore in person at the EHA office. Call ahead to ask about office hours and whether you need an appointment. Bring the following documents:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax returns)
  • Proof of residency in Vanderburgh County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
  • Birth certificates for any children in your household
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency status

EHA staff will fill out an process form with you and explain the waiting list process. You will be asked about your household composition, income, and housing needs. The staff will tell you the current wait time for each program and ask which one you want to join. You can explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time.

After you explore, EHA will verify your information by contacting your employer, landlord, or benefit programs. This process usually takes two to four weeks. Once verification is complete, you are placed on the waiting list in the order your process was received.

Waiting Lists and How Long It Takes

EHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. In Evansville, public housing waiting lists can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the specific development. Section 8 waiting lists have been known to be several years long, though EHA occasionally closes the list when demand is very high.

EHA will contact you by phone or mail when a unit or voucher is available. You will have a limited time to respond — usually a few days to a week. If you do not respond, EHA may skip you and move to the next person on the list. If you turn down an offer, you may lose your place or be moved to the back of the list, depending on EHA's policy.

You can call EHA to ask about your position on the waiting list, but they cannot tell you exactly when a unit will become available. Demand and turnover are unpredictable. If your circumstances change — your income increases, your household size changes, or you move out of the area — tell EHA when ready, as it may affect your status.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are offered public housing, EHA will show you available units and explain the lease terms. Your rent will be calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month). You will sign a lease with EHA and move in. EHA handles maintenance and repairs; you report problems to the maintenance office.

If you are offered a Section 8 voucher, EHA will give you a packet explaining how the program works and the rent limits for your area. You then have a set time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the apartment must pass an EHA inspection. Once approved, you sign a lease with the landlord, and the voucher begins. You pay your share of rent, and EHA pays the rest directly to the landlord.

In both programs, you must report changes in income or household composition to EHA. If your income increases significantly, your rent may go up. If your household size changes, you may need to move to a different unit or your voucher amount may change.

Contact Information and Next Steps

The Evansville Housing Authority office is located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Evansville, Indiana 47708. You can reach them by phone at (812) 435-6000. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but call to confirm before you visit.

If you have questions about whether you meet income limits or what documents to bring, call ahead. EHA staff can answer basic questions over the phone and tell you whether the waiting list is currently open. If the Section 8 waiting list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have bad credit or a past eviction?

Bad credit alone does not disqualify you. EHA looks at your rental history and reasons for eviction. If you were evicted due to non-payment, EHA may still consider you, especially if time has passed and your circumstances have changed. Bring documentation of what happened and explain your situation when you explore.

What if I am currently homeless or living in a shelter?

You can still explore. You will need to provide an address where EHA can reach you — this can be a shelter, a friend's address, or a mailing address. Bring whatever identification and income documentation you have. EHA staff can help you gather missing documents.

How much will my rent be in public housing?

Your rent is 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, with a minimum rent set by EHA (usually $50 to $100). If your income is $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If your income is $800 per month, you would pay the minimum rent instead. Rent is recalculated annually based on your current income.

Can I choose which neighborhood my public housing apartment is in?

EHA assigns units based on availability and your household size. You cannot request a specific neighborhood, but you can ask EHA which developments have units available when you are offered housing. You can turn down an offer, but doing so may affect your position on the waiting list.

What if I am working but my income is still low?

You are still may be able to access as long as your income is below the limit for your household size. EHA does not require you to be unemployed or receiving benefits. Bring recent pay stubs and any other income documentation to prove your earnings.