How Sacramento's Housing Authority Works and What It Does

What the Sacramento Housing Authority actually does

The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) is the local government body that runs housing programs in Sacramento County. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and runs emergency rental information when funding is available. SHRA does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it processes applications for people seeking vouchers or temporary rent help.

SHRA is a separate agency from the City of Sacramento and the County of Sacramento, though it works with both. If you are looking for housing help in Sacramento, SHRA is usually the first place to contact because it controls the largest pool of vouchers and rental information in the region. You cannot walk into an office and get when ready help — all programs require an process, proof of income, and a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

SHRA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Sacramento County, but the Section 8 waiting list is typically closed and has thousands of names when it opens.
Emergency rental information through SHRA covers past-due rent when funds are available, but the program opens and closes based on federal funding and demand.
You can reach SHRA by phone at (916) 263-3700 or visit their office at 3540 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821 to ask about current programs.
SHRA requires proof of income, a signed lease or rental agreement, and identification for most programs — bring documents with you or have them ready before calling.
If SHRA's programs are full or closed, contact 211 Sacramento or your city council office for referrals to other local rental information sources.

Section 8 vouchers through SHRA: waiting list status and how to get on it

SHRA manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Sacramento County. A Section 8 voucher pays part of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. The voucher amount depends on your income and the local rent standard — SHRA pays the difference between what you can afford and what the market rent is, up to a limit.

The Section 8 waiting list in Sacramento is almost always closed. When it does open, it fills within days or hours. You can call SHRA at (916) 263-3700 to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you will need to submit an process in person or by mail with proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Sacramento County, and a photo ID. Processing takes several months, and even after approval, you will wait on a second list before you receive a voucher.

If the waiting list is closed, ask SHRA staff whether they expect it to open in the coming months. Some people call back every few weeks to check. You can also ask about project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific apartment buildings rather than portable across the market — these sometimes have shorter waiting lists.

Public housing managed by SHRA

SHRA owns and manages public housing apartments throughout Sacramento County. These are income-restricted units where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, regardless of market rent. Public housing is separate from Section 8 vouchers — you explore directly to SHRA for public housing, and the waiting list is also typically closed.

Public housing units are older on average than private market apartments, but rent is much lower if your income is very low. To ask about public housing availability, call SHRA at (916) 263-3700 or visit the office. You will need the same documents as for Section 8: proof of income, proof of residency, and ID. SHRA will tell you whether there are any open applications or when the next opening period might be.

Emergency rental information from SHRA when it is available

SHRA has received federal funding for emergency rental information in the past, though the program is not always open. When it is running, it pays landlords for rent you already owe — not rent coming due. You typically need a signed lease, proof that you fell behind because of a recent hardship (job loss, medical emergency, reduced hours), and proof of income.

The program moves quickly when it is open — approval can happen in two to four weeks — but it closes when funding runs out. Call SHRA at (916) 263-3700 to ask whether emergency rental information is currently accepting new applications. If SHRA's program is closed, ask for referrals to other local sources, such as nonprofits or city-run programs that may have separate funding.

How to contact SHRA and what to bring

SHRA's main office is at 3540 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95821. You can reach them by phone at (916) 263-3700 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by season and staffing. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment.

Before you visit or call, gather these documents: recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing your income, your most recent tax return or W-2, proof that you live in Sacramento County (a utility bill or lease), and a photo ID. If you are explore for rental information, also bring your lease and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind (a termination letter, medical bills, or a notice of reduced hours). Having these ready will speed up the conversation.

If you cannot reach SHRA or need help understanding your options, call 211 Sacramento. 211 is a free referral service that knows about SHRA programs and can tell you whether they are currently open. You can also reach 211 by dialing 2-1-1 on any phone or visiting their website.

What happens after you submit an process to SHRA

After you submit an process, SHRA will verify your income by contacting your employer or reviewing tax documents. They will also check your residency and run a background check. This process usually takes four to eight weeks for Section 8 or public housing applications, and two to four weeks for emergency rental information.

SHRA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you are approved. If you are approved for Section 8 or public housing, you will be placed on a waiting list in order of process date. If you are approved for emergency rental information, SHRA will contact your landlord directly to arrange payment. Do not assume you have been rejected if you do not hear back within a month — call SHRA to ask about the status of your process.

Other housing resources in Sacramento if SHRA programs are full

If SHRA's waiting lists are closed or you do not meet their income limits, other organizations in Sacramento offer rental information or housing search help. The City of Sacramento sometimes runs its own emergency rental information program with separate funding. Sacramento County also has programs for specific populations, such as seniors or people experiencing homelessness.

Nonprofits like Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and local community action agencies also provide rental information, though funding and may be able to access vary. Call 211 Sacramento to get a current list of programs that are open and to learn which ones match your situation. You can also contact your city council member's office — they often have information about local resources and can sometimes help speed up referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Sacramento?

The waiting list is typically closed, so there is no current length to report. When it opens, it can reach several thousand names within weeks. Call SHRA at (916) 263-3700 to ask whether the list is open now and whether they expect it to open soon.

Can I get on the Section 8 waiting list if I do not live in Sacramento yet?

No. You must be a resident of Sacramento County to explore. SHRA will ask for proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. If you are planning to move to Sacramento, you can explore after you arrive and have a local address.

What is the income limit to get Section 8 or public housing from SHRA?

Income limits vary by household size and change each year. Generally, you must earn no more than 50 to 80 percent of the area median income, depending on the program. Call SHRA to ask the current limit for your household size, or ask when you visit the office.

Do I have to pay SHRA to explore for housing or a voucher?

No. SHRA does not charge process fees. If someone asks you for money to help you get a voucher or housing, that is a scam. All SHRA services are free.

What if I have an eviction case pending?

Tell SHRA about the eviction when you explore. Some programs prioritize people with active cases because the need is urgent. Bring the eviction notice with you so SHRA can see the court date. This does not disqualify you — it often helps.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.