What the Hempstead Housing Authority Does

The Hempstead Housing Authority (HHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Hempstead, New York. It does not serve all of Nassau County — only the City of Hempstead and some surrounding areas. The HHA owns and manages public housing developments, administers Section 8 vouchers, and maintains waiting lists for both programs.

The HHA is separate from the Nassau County Housing Authority, which serves different parts of the county. If you live outside Hempstead proper, you may need to contact Nassau County Housing Authority instead. The HHA's main office is located in Hempstead and handles all applications, lease signings, and ongoing tenant services for its programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hempstead Housing Authority runs public housing developments and Section 8 voucher programs only within the City of Hempstead and specific surrounding areas, not all of Nassau County.
  • Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have long waiting lists; you must explore in person or by mail during an open process period, which the HHA announces publicly.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and the HHA verifies income through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you move in.
  • Once you receive a voucher or public housing lease, you pay a portion of rent based on your income, and the HHA or program covers the rest.
  • You can contact the HHA directly by phone or visit their office to ask about current waiting list status and when applications reopen.

Public Housing Developments Managed by HHA

The Hempstead Housing Authority owns and operates several public housing developments within Hempstead. These are apartment buildings where the HHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and utilities are typically included or subsidized. To live in HHA public housing, your household income must fall below a certain limit, which varies by family size and changes annually.

Public housing waiting lists in Hempstead are typically closed to new applications. When the HHA opens applications — which may happen once every few years — they announce it through local media, their office, and sometimes through community organizations. You must explore during the open period; there is no way to explore when the list is closed. Once you are on the waiting list, the wait can be several years depending on your priority and family size.

Section 8 Voucher Program and Waiting Lists

The HHA also administers Section 8 vouchers, which allow you to rent from a private landlord while the program pays a portion of your rent. Like public housing, the Section 8 waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, you must explore in person at the HHA office or by mail during the announced period. The HHA prioritizes applicants based on factors such as homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent.

If you receive a Section 8 voucher, you search for your own apartment, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The HHA inspects the unit to may support it meets housing standards, and then you sign a lease. Your portion of rent is typically 30 percent of your income; the voucher covers the rest up to a maximum amount set by the program. You remain on the voucher as long as you meet program rules and your income stays within limits.

Income Limits and Verification Requirements

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits based on area median income. For Hempstead, limits vary by family size and are adjusted each year. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. The HHA uses these limits to determine who can be admitted and to calculate your rent payment once you are housed.

When you explore or when you are selected from the waiting list, the HHA will ask for proof of income. This typically includes recent tax returns, pay stubs from the past 30 days, and a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits such as Social Security, unemployment, or child support, you must provide documentation of those as well. The HHA may also contact your employer or benefits agency directly to verify what you reported. If your income is above the limit, you will not be admitted.

How to Contact Hempstead Housing Authority

The HHA office is located in Hempstead and can be reached by phone during business hours. You can visit in person to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, or when applications will reopen. The office staff can tell you whether you meet basic income requirements and what documents you will need to bring if you explore.

You can also ask the HHA about other resources if you do not meet their income limits or if the waiting list is closed. They may refer you to emergency rental information, homeless services, or other county programs. The HHA office address and phone number are available through the Nassau County Department of Social Services website or by calling 211 New York, which provides referrals to local housing and social services.

What Happens After You Are Selected from the Waiting List

Once the HHA selects you from the waiting list, you will be notified by mail or phone. You must respond within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 14 days — to confirm you still want the housing. If you do not respond, you may lose your place and have to reapply when the list reopens.

After you confirm, the HHA will schedule an appointment for you to complete your process in full. You will bring income verification documents, identification, and proof of residency. The HHA will verify your income, check your background and rental history, and conduct a home visit if you are explore for public housing. This process typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, you will sign a lease and receive keys or a voucher, depending on which program you are in.

Rent Calculation and Ongoing Responsibilities

In both public housing and Section 8, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross household income. If your income changes, you must report it to the HHA within 10 days. If your income increases, your rent will increase. If your income decreases, your rent will decrease. The HHA recalculates rent annually and may ask for updated income verification.

You are responsible for paying your portion of rent on time each month. If you fall behind, the HHA can begin eviction proceedings. You must also maintain the unit in good condition, follow lease rules, and allow the HHA to inspect the unit annually. If you move out, you must give proper notice and leave the unit clean. Damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges against your security deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Hempstead Housing Authority?

Waiting times vary widely depending on family size and priority status. Public housing and Section 8 waiting lists can be several years long. The HHA office can tell you the current average wait time when you call or visit. Many applicants wait three to five years or longer before being selected.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you are selected for one program before the other, you can accept it and remain on the other list. If you are later selected for the second program, you can decline it or ask to be removed from that list.

What if I do not meet the income limit?

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be admitted to HHA public housing or Section 8. The HHA office can refer you to other resources such as emergency rental information, nonprofit housing programs, or private market options. Some programs serve people with higher incomes or have different may be able to access rules.

Do I have to live in Hempstead to explore?

You do not have to live in Hempstead to explore, but the HHA only serves the City of Hempstead and certain surrounding areas. If you live outside that area, you should contact Nassau County Housing Authority or your local housing authority instead. The HHA office can tell you whether your address falls within their service area.

What if the waiting list is closed?

When the waiting list is closed, you cannot explore. The HHA will reopen applications at some point in the future, but there is no set schedule. You can call the HHA office periodically to ask when applications will reopen, or ask to be notified when the list opens. Some people call every few months to check status.