What the Fresno Housing Authority does

The Fresno Housing Authority (FHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Fresno County. It administers public housing — apartments and complexes it owns directly — and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which lets tenants rent from private landlords using a subsidy. The FHA also runs programs for people experiencing homelessness and manages some supportive housing. It is not a landlord you call to rent an apartment; it is the organisation that decides who gets into its programs and how much you pay.

The FHA's main office is located at 1331 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93650. You can reach them by phone at (559) 443-8400. Their website is fresnohousing.org, where you can find current waiting list information, program details, and process forms. Because FHA programs have long waiting lists and funding limits, the first step is always to contact them directly to learn which programs are currently open and what the wait time is.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fresno Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers, but does not run emergency rental information or other temporary aid programs.
  • Most FHA programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and some lists are closed to new applicants when funding is full.
  • You must contact the FHA directly at (559) 443-8400 or visit their office to learn whether a program is open and what documents you need.
  • Income limits explore to all FHA programs, and your household size, citizenship status, and rental history all affect whether you can participate.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now, the FHA is not the fastest resource — contact your local 211 service or Fresno County Department of Social Services for emergency help.

Public housing managed by the Fresno Housing Authority

Public housing means apartments and complexes that the FHA owns and operates. These units are scattered throughout Fresno County, and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount, whichever is higher). You do not choose the unit; the FHA assigns you to available housing based on family size and other factors.

To enter public housing, you must meet income limits, which vary by household size. For example, the income limit for a family of four is typically around $40,000 to $45,000 per year, but this changes annually and depends on area median income. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. The FHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, and depending on demand in your area, you may wait months or years before a unit becomes available.

Once you are in public housing, your rent increases only if your income increases. The FHA conducts annual income recertifications, and if your income drops, your rent drops as well. You can stay in public housing as long as you follow lease rules and continue to meet program requirements.

Housing Choice Vouchers in Fresno County

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also called Section 8) lets you rent from any private landlord who agrees to participate. The FHA gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest. The voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and bedroom size, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. You pay 30 percent of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the difference up to the fair market rent limit.

The voucher waiting list in Fresno County is typically closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list opens — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — the FHA accepts applications for a limited time. You can call (559) 443-8400 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask to be placed on a waiting list to be notified when it reopens.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a landlord and a unit that meets FHA standards. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass an FHA inspection. Not all landlords participate, so finding housing can take time. Once you move in, you stay on the voucher as long as you follow the lease and your income remains below the program limit.

Income limits and who can participate

All FHA programs have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Fresno County. These limits change each year. For the most current limits, contact the FHA directly or check fresnohousing.org. Generally, you must earn no more than 80 percent of the area median income to enter public housing or receive a voucher, though some programs serve households at 50 percent of median income.

You must also meet other requirements: you need a valid Social Security number or may be able to access immigration status, a clean background check (some criminal histories disqualify you), and proof of income. The FHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, you may need to show unemployment benefits or other income sources. Families with a history of lease violations or evictions may be denied, though the FHA considers each case individually.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement for FHA housing. In that case, you may look for housing through the private market or explore other programs like the Fresno County Continuum of Care if you are experiencing homelessness.

What documents you need to bring

When you contact the FHA or visit in person, bring original documents or certified copies. You will need a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or immigration documents. If you are explore with a family, bring documents for all household members.

If you have been evicted or have an eviction case, bring court documents or a letter from your previous landlord. The FHA will review your history, but an eviction does not automatically disqualify you. If you have experienced homelessness, bring documentation of that as well, as some FHA programs prioritize people with a history of homelessness.

Bring a list of references — people who can speak to your character and ability to pay rent — and contact information for your current or most recent landlord. The FHA will verify your rental history, so accuracy matters. If you do not have all documents when you first contact them, ask what you can gather and bring later.

Waiting lists and how long they take

The Fresno Housing Authority maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. Public housing waiting lists are typically open, but the wait time varies by neighborhood and unit type. In some areas, the wait is 6 months to 2 years; in others, it may be longer. The voucher waiting list is usually closed, and when it opens, it fills quickly.

You can call the FHA to ask your position on the waiting list and the estimated wait time. The FHA prioritizes households based on factors like homelessness, disability, and family size. If your circumstances change — for example, if you become homeless or experience a major hardship — contact the FHA to see if you can be moved up the list.

While you wait, you can explore to other programs. Many Fresno nonprofits and the county offer emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, and supportive housing. These programs often have shorter wait times and may help you while you are on the FHA waiting list.

If you need help right now

If you are behind on rent, facing eviction, or homeless, the FHA is not the fastest resource because its waiting lists are long. Instead, contact Fresno County 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org. They can connect you to emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, and shelter programs that may help within days or weeks.

You can also reach out to Fresno County Department of Social Services at (559) 600-3000 to ask about emergency information and supportive housing programs. Nonprofits like the Fresno Rescue Mission, Poverello House, and the Community Regional Medical Center's homeless outreach team also provide when ready help. These organizations work alongside the FHA but move faster because they have different funding and fewer restrictions.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization like California Rural Legal information or Fresno County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service to understand your rights and options. Many eviction cases can be delayed or dismissed if you have a valid defense or if you are waiting for emergency information to come through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get on the Fresno Housing Authority waiting list?

Call (559) 443-8400 or visit the FHA office at 1331 Fulton Street to ask which programs are open. If a program is open, they will give you an process and tell you what documents to bring. You can also read applications from fresnohousing.org. Bring your ID, proof of income, and proof of residency when you submit your process.

What is the difference between public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher?

Public housing means the FHA owns the apartment and you rent from them directly. A Housing Choice Voucher means you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and the FHA pays part of the rent. With public housing, rent is 30 percent of your income. With a voucher, you also pay 30 percent, but you have more choice in where you live.

Can I be denied for an eviction in my past?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the FHA will review the reason and how long ago it happened. If you were evicted for non-payment and you now have stable income, you may still be accepted. If you were evicted for lease violations or criminal activity, denial is more likely. Ask the FHA to explain their decision if you are turned down.

What if my income goes up after I move into FHA housing?

The FHA conducts annual income recertifications. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or your rent may increase significantly. However, some programs allow a grace period or gradual rent increases. Ask the FHA about their income recertification policy when you move in.

How long does it take to hear back after I submit my process?

The FHA typically reviews applications within 30 to 60 days, but this varies depending on how busy they are and whether you provide all required documents. Call (559) 443-8400 to check the status of your process. If you are missing documents, they will contact you to ask for them.