What the Harrisonburg Housing Authority Does

The Harrisonburg Housing Authority (HHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It does not build or own most of the housing stock in the city — instead, it administers two main programs: public housing units that it owns directly, and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which lets you rent from private landlords while the authority pays part of your rent.

The HHA is separate from the city government, though it operates under state and federal rules. It answers to a board of commissioners and is funded through federal grants, tenant rent payments, and program fees. If you live in Harrisonburg and need affordable rental housing, the HHA is the body you contact directly — not the city, not a state office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Harrisonburg Housing Authority runs two programs: public housing it owns, and Housing Choice Vouchers that let you rent privately with the authority paying a portion of rent.
  • Both programs have income limits based on area median income, and both have waiting lists that can be months or years long depending on the program.
  • You must contact the HHA directly to learn your status on a waiting list or to ask about current openings — this information does not appear online.
  • Public housing and vouchers have different rules about who can live with you, what you pay each month, and how long you can stay in the program.
  • The HHA office is located in Harrisonburg and handles all intake, inspections, and rent calculations in person or by phone.

Public Housing Managed by the Harrisonburg Housing Authority

Public housing means apartments or houses that the HHA owns and rents to low-income households. In Harrisonburg, the HHA operates several public housing communities. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent rental homes where you can stay as long as you meet program rules and pay your portion of rent each month.

To live in HHA public housing, your household income must fall below a set limit. That limit changes each year and depends on your household size. For example, a single person's limit is different from a family of four. The HHA uses the federal area median income (AMI) for Harrisonburg to set these limits. You can call the HHA office to learn the current income limit for your household size.

Your monthly rent in public housing is typically 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum amount set by the HHA. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. The HHA reviews your income each year and adjusts your rent accordingly.

Public housing has a waiting list. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. The HHA does not publish waiting list times online — you must call or visit the office to learn your position and estimated wait time.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in Harrisonburg

A Housing Choice Voucher is a rent subsidy that lets you choose where to live. The HHA gives you a voucher, you find a rental home or apartment from a private landlord, and the HHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your income.

The voucher amount is set by the HHA based on the size of your household and the rental market in Harrisonburg. If you find a place that costs more than the voucher covers, you pay the extra. If you find a place that costs less, you pay less. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a lease with both you and the HHA.

Income limits for the voucher program are similar to public housing but not identical. The HHA sets the limit each year. You must be below that limit to receive a voucher, but once you have one, your income can rise without losing the voucher — though your share of the rent will increase.

The voucher waiting list is typically longer than the public housing list. In some years, the HHA has closed the voucher waiting list because it is so long. You can call to ask whether the list is open and, if it is, how long the current wait is.

Income Limits and Household Composition Rules

Both programs use income limits to decide who can enter. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular money your household receives. The HHA counts gross income before taxes. One-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements do not count.

Household composition matters for two reasons: it determines your income limit, and it determines the size of unit you can occupy. If you live alone, you may have access to for a one-bedroom. If you have a child, you need at least one bedroom plus a living area. The HHA has rules about how many people can live in each unit size.

Not everyone in your household counts toward income. Dependents under age 18, full-time students, and people with disabilities may have different rules. The HHA will ask about your household when you explore, and you will need to provide proof of each person's relationship to you and their income.

How to Contact the Harrisonburg Housing Authority

The HHA office is located in Harrisonburg and is open during regular business hours. You can visit in person, call, or in some cases email with questions. The office staff can tell you whether a waiting list is open, how long the wait currently is, and what documents you need to bring to explore.

When you contact the HHA, have your household information ready: names and birthdates of all household members, current income, and current address. If you are explore, you will need to bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of identity, and proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.

The HHA does not take applications online. You must explore in person or by mail. Once you explore, you go on the waiting list. The HHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, which may take months or years depending on the program and your priority.

Rent Calculations and What You Actually Pay

In both public housing and voucher programs, your rent is based on your income. The standard calculation is 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. However, the HHA sets a minimum rent — you pay at least that amount even if 30 percent of your income is lower. The minimum rent varies by program and changes each year.

The HHA also sets a maximum rent for public housing units. If your calculated rent reaches that maximum, it stops there even if your income rises further. This protects you from rent increases that would make housing unaffordable as you earn more.

Your rent is recalculated once a year during your annual review. You will bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to prove your current income. If your income has changed, your rent changes on your next lease anniversary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary. Public housing waiting lists in Harrisonburg can range from several months to over a year depending on the size unit you need. Voucher waiting lists are typically longer. The only way to know your specific wait time is to call the HHA office and ask — they will tell you your position on the list and give you an estimate.

Can I own a car or have savings and still live in HHA housing?

Yes. The HHA does not limit how many cars you own or how much money you have in savings. It only counts income — money you receive regularly. Assets like savings accounts do not affect your rent calculation or your status in the program.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in the program?

Your rent will increase. The HHA recalculates your rent each year based on your current income. You stay in the program and keep your housing, but you pay a higher share of the rent. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, but the HHA typically gives you time to transition.

Can I transfer my voucher if I move out of Harrisonburg?

Possibly, but it depends on where you are moving. Some vouchers can be used in other cities, but the receiving housing authority must have available funding and must accept your transfer. Contact the HHA before you move to ask whether your voucher can move with you.

What if I do not meet the income limit right now?

You cannot enter either program if your income is above the limit. However, you can reapply later if your income drops. Some people check back with the HHA each year to see if the income limit has changed or if their circumstances have shifted. The HHA can tell you the current limit and whether it makes sense to reapply.