What Fort Wayne Housing Authority does

Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They own and manage apartment buildings for low-income residents, and they distribute vouchers that let people rent from private landlords while the Authority pays part of the rent. FWHA does not run emergency information, utility help, or homeless services — those come from other agencies. If you need housing in Fort Wayne, FWHA is where you start, but you may need to contact other organizations depending on what kind of help you need.

The Authority serves Allen County and the city of Fort Wayne. They answer to a board of commissioners and report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Their main office is at 2901 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46807. You can reach them by phone at (260) 422-4691 or visit their office in person during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Wayne Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments they own) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rent information for private apartments).
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the voucher waiting list is often closed because demand exceeds available vouchers.
  • Income limits explore to both programs, and they vary by household size; you must earn below the limit to be considered.
  • You can contact FWHA directly at (260) 422-4691 or visit 2901 Fairfield Avenue to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you need.
  • If FWHA's programs are full or you need when ready help, contact 211 Indiana or your local community action agency for emergency rental information or other housing resources.

Public housing: FWHA-owned apartments

Public housing means apartments that FWHA owns and operates. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though FWHA may set a minimum rent. The Authority maintains the buildings and handles repairs. Public housing units are scattered across Fort Wayne in various neighborhoods; you do not get to choose which building or unit you live in before you are placed.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below the limit set by HUD for your area and household size. These limits change each year. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. You also must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have no serious criminal history, and not have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years. FWHA will run a background check and contact previous landlords.

Public housing has a waiting list. The length of the wait depends on how many units become available and how many people are ahead of you. FWHA prioritizes based on their own policy — often giving preference to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with children. Call (260) 422-4691 to ask whether the public housing waiting list is open and how long the current wait is.

Housing Choice Vouchers: rent information for private apartments

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord must agree to participate in the program, and FWHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference out of your own income. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the local rent market.

Income limits for vouchers are the same as for public housing — your household must earn below the HUD limit for your area and family size. You also must pass a background check and have no recent evictions or drug-related criminal history. Unlike public housing, you have more choice: you can search for any apartment in Fort Wayne (or in some cases, outside Fort Wayne) as long as the landlord will accept the voucher and the rent is not above the program's payment standard for that area.

The voucher waiting list is frequently closed because demand far exceeds the number of vouchers available. When the list is open, FWHA may accept applications for a limited time — sometimes just a few weeks. Call (260) 422-4691 to find out whether the voucher waiting list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen; some housing authorities reopen their lists annually or when funding becomes available.

Income limits and household size

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Fort Wayne. HUD sets these limits each year, and they change. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of five. Your income is counted as gross monthly income before taxes — wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular income all count.

FWHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you are unemployed or receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well. You can call FWHA at (260) 422-4691 and ask them to tell you the current income limit for your household size, or visit their office to ask.

Documents you need to bring

When you contact FWHA or visit to ask about programs, have these documents ready: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefits letter), proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or green card), and a list of all household members and their dates of birth. If you have a disability, bring documentation from a doctor or disability benefits agency.

FWHA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation — for example, proof of current address, a letter from a previous landlord, or documentation of any criminal history. When you call or visit, ask what specific documents you should bring so you do not make multiple trips.

What happens after you explore

After you submit an process, FWHA will verify your income, run a background check, and contact previous landlords. This process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy the office is and how quickly they can reach the people they need to contact. You will be notified by mail or phone when a decision is made.

If you are approved for public housing, FWHA will place you on the waiting list. When a unit becomes available and your name reaches the top of the list, they will contact you with an offer. You have a limited time to accept or decline. If you are approved for a voucher, you will receive the voucher document and instructions on how to search for an apartment and have the landlord contact FWHA to process the lease.

If you are denied, FWHA will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. The letter will include information on how to request a hearing and the important date to do so.

If FWHA programs are full or you need help now

If the waiting lists are closed or the wait is too long, other organizations in Fort Wayne can help. Call 211 Indiana (dial 211 or visit 211.org) to be connected to local emergency rental information, utility help, homeless services, or other housing resources. Your local community action agency, Catholic Charities, and the Fort Wayne Homeless Continuum of Care also run programs that may help depending on your situation.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization when ready — they can sometimes stop or delay an eviction while you pursue other options. The Indiana Legal Services office in Fort Wayne can be reached through 211 or by searching online for "legal aid Fort Wayne Indiana."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers?

The wait varies and changes frequently. Public housing waiting lists can be months to years depending on how many units open up. Voucher waiting lists are often closed entirely. Call FWHA at (260) 422-4691 to ask the current status — they can tell you in one call whether the list is open and roughly how long the wait is.

Can I use a voucher to rent outside Fort Wayne?

Some vouchers can be used in other areas, but it depends on FWHA's policies and whether the receiving housing authority has agreed to accept portable vouchers. Ask FWHA directly when you receive your voucher. If you want to move, you may need permission and the new area's housing authority must have available funding.

What if I have a criminal record?

FWHA will consider your background, but not all criminal history disqualifies you. Drug-related convictions and recent evictions for drug activity are the most common reasons for denial. Other offenses are evaluated case by case. You can ask FWHA what their specific policies are before you explore, or explore and request a hearing if you are denied.

Do I have to live in a specific FWHA building or neighborhood?

For public housing, FWHA assigns you to an available unit — you do not choose the building or neighborhood beforehand. For vouchers, you search for your own apartment anywhere in Fort Wayne (or approved areas outside it) as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the rent meets program limits.

What if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase, but you will not be evicted. Both programs allow income to rise above the initial limit. Your rent contribution (usually 30 percent of income) will go up, but you stay in the program. FWHA will recalculate your rent at your annual recertification.