What the Hammond Housing Authority does

The Hammond Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs in Hammond, Louisiana. It administers public housing (apartments it owns and manages) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords). The Authority does not build or fund these programs itself — it receives money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and operates under federal rules.

The Authority's main job is to maintain a waiting list, verify your income and household size, inspect properties, and process rent payments. It is not a landlord in the traditional sense for voucher holders — you find and lease the apartment, and the Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hammond Housing Authority runs two separate programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (subsidies for private rentals).
  • Both programs require you to be on a waiting list, which can be years long depending on the program and current demand.
  • Your household income must fall below a set limit, which varies by family size and changes yearly based on area median income.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and consent to a background check before the Authority processes your request.
  • The Authority's office is located in Hammond and handles all applications, recertifications, and lease questions in person or by phone.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The Hammond Housing Authority manages two distinct programs, and understanding the difference matters because the waiting lists, rules, and what you pay are not the same.

Public housing means you rent an apartment owned by the Authority itself. You pay a portion of your income as rent (usually 30 percent), and the Authority covers the rest from federal funds. The Authority sets the lease terms, handles maintenance, and can evict you under its own rules. Public housing in Hammond is limited — the Authority owns a fixed number of units, so the waiting list can be very long.

Housing Choice Vouchers (also called Section 8) give you money to use toward rent at a private landlord of your choice. The Authority pays the landlord directly; you pay your share (usually 30 percent of your income). You find the apartment, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and the Authority inspects it to make sure it meets housing standards. The landlord must accept the voucher and sign an agreement with the Authority. Voucher waiting lists are also long in most areas, but the program offers more choice in where you live.

Income limits and household size

Both programs have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Hammond. If your household income exceeds the limit, you cannot participate. The limits change every year, usually in April, so you need to check the current year's numbers with the Authority directly.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular money coming into your household. The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide tax returns for the past two years.

Household size includes everyone living with you who is related to you or who is a dependent. The Authority counts children, spouses, and sometimes live-in caregivers. Unrelated roommates are not counted as household members, but they may affect your rent calculation if they contribute income.

How to get on the waiting list

To request public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher from the Hammond Housing Authority, you must first contact the Authority's office directly. The Authority does not accept online applications for most programs — you will need to call, visit in person, or check their website for current intake procedures, as these change based on funding and demand.

When you contact the Authority, ask whether the waiting list is open for the program you want. Many housing authorities close their lists when they are full, and you cannot explore until they reopen. If the list is open, the Authority will give you an process form and tell you what documents to bring.

You will need to provide proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, identification, and consent to a criminal background check and credit check. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or benefit letters. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, the Authority will review it — some convictions or evictions may disqualify you, but the Authority considers each case individually.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit your process, the Authority will verify your income, check your background, and contact your references. This process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy the Authority is and how quickly you respond to requests for documents.

If you are approved, the Authority will place you on the active waiting list. For public housing, you will wait for an apartment to become available. For vouchers, you will receive your voucher and then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment that meets the Authority's standards and whose rent is within the voucher amount.

The Authority will send you a lease-up packet with instructions on how to search for an apartment, what the landlord must agree to, and how to schedule an inspection. You are responsible for finding the apartment — the Authority does not find it for you. Once you find one and the landlord agrees, the Authority inspects it. If it passes, the Authority and landlord sign a contract, and you move in.

Recertification and ongoing requirements

Whether you have public housing or a voucher, you must recertify your income and household composition every year. The Authority will send you a notice and ask you to provide updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters. If your income or household size changes during the year, you must report it to the Authority — failure to do so can result in losing your information.

For public housing, you must keep your apartment in good condition and follow the lease. The Authority can inspect your unit and can evict you for lease violations, non-payment, or criminal activity. You also cannot sublet or allow unauthorized people to live with you.

For vouchers, you must maintain the lease with your landlord and pay your share of the rent on time. The Authority will conduct inspections every two years to may support the apartment still meets housing standards. If the landlord or you violate the lease, the Authority can terminate the voucher.

Contact information and office location

The Hammond Housing Authority's main office is located in Hammond, Louisiana. You can reach them by phone to ask about waiting list status, process procedures, and current income limits. The office hours and phone number are available on the Authority's website or through a local 211 referral.

If you need to visit in person, bring your identification and any documents related to your process or current information. The Authority staff can answer questions about both public housing and vouchers and can tell you whether the waiting list is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Waiting lists vary and change based on how many people are on them and how many units or vouchers become available. The Hammond Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you call. Some lists may be closed entirely if they are too long.

Can I be denied because of my criminal record or eviction history?

The Authority reviews criminal and eviction history on a case-by-case basis. Some convictions (especially drug-related or violent crimes) and recent evictions can disqualify you, but not all do. The Authority will explain its decision if you are denied.

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

Your rent will increase, because you pay 30 percent of your income. You must report income changes to the Authority. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may eventually be required to leave the program, but the Authority usually gives you time to transition.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?

You may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority through a process called portability, but you must request it from the Hammond Housing Authority first. Not all receiving authorities accept portable vouchers, and the process takes time.

What if I cannot find an apartment that accepts vouchers?

Finding a landlord who accepts vouchers can be difficult. The Authority can provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program before. You can also search online or contact landlords directly and ask if they accept Housing Choice Vouchers.