What Kern County Housing Authority Does

Kern County Housing Authority (KCHRA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Kern County, California. The agency administers public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and emergency rental information. They also manage affordable housing developments and provide information about housing resources in the county.

KCHRA is separate from your city government and from the state. It is a local authority created specifically to manage federal housing funds and programs. If you live in unincorporated Kern County or in most cities within the county, KCHRA is the body you contact for public housing and voucher programs.

The agency's main office is in Bakersfield. They handle applications, rent calculations, lease reviews, and ongoing case management for people in their programs. They also connect residents to other services like job training and financial counseling.

Key Takeaways

  • Kern County Housing Authority runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and emergency rental information programs across the county.
  • You can reach KCHRA by phone, mail, or in person at their Bakersfield office; phone is usually fastest for basic questions.
  • KCHRA maintains waiting lists for public housing and vouchers that may be closed or open depending on current demand.
  • If you are in an emergency housing situation, ask KCHRA about temporary information programs and local shelter referrals.
  • KCHRA staff can explain income limits, rent calculations, and what documents you need before you start any process.

How to Contact Kern County Housing Authority

The main phone line for KCHRA is (661) 325-8800. Call during business hours (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) with questions about programs, waiting lists, or how to get your free guide. A staff member can tell you whether a program is currently open and what the next step is.

You can also visit in person at the main office: 2600 M Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Bring any documents you have — a lease, proof of income, ID — so staff can answer questions specific to your situation.

Mail inquiries to the same address. Include your name, phone number, and a clear description of what you need. Response times are slower than phone or in-person visits, so use mail only if you cannot reach them by phone.

KCHRA also has a website where you can find program descriptions, income limits, and sometimes downloadable forms. Check their site for updates on whether waiting lists are open, since this changes throughout the year.

Public Housing and Section 8 Voucher Waiting Lists

KCHRA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing (apartments owned by the authority) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information you use at a private landlord's property). Both lists are often closed because demand exceeds available units and vouchers.

When a list is open, you can request an process by phone or in person. KCHRA will tell you how long the wait is and what documents to bring. Typical requirements include proof of income, a photo ID, and Social Security numbers for all household members. Income limits vary by household size and are set by the federal government; KCHRA staff can tell you whether your household qualifies.

If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some lists open once a year; others open when vouchers become available. You can also ask to be notified when the list opens again, though notification systems vary.

Emergency Rental information Through KCHRA

KCHRA administers emergency rental information funds that pay landlords directly for back rent and sometimes utilities. These funds come from federal COVID-19 relief money and other state sources. The program is open to renters who have fallen behind on rent due to a recent hardship.

To explore this program, call KCHRA and ask about current emergency rental information. They will tell you whether funds are available, what income limits explore, and what documents you need (usually a lease, proof of hardship, and proof of income). Processing times vary but typically run two to six weeks.

If KCHRA's funds are exhausted, ask about other local programs. Kern County has multiple nonprofits and city-run funds that may still be open. KCHRA staff often know which ones are currently accepting applications.

What to Bring When You Contact KCHRA

Have these documents ready before you call or visit:

  • A photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • A signed lease (if you are renting)
  • Proof of any hardship (eviction notice, job loss letter, medical bills)

You do not need all of these for every question. If you are just asking whether a waiting list is open, you only need to call. But if you are ready to move forward with an process, having documents ready speeds up the process.

KCHRA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation — proof of citizenship, utility bills, or bank statements. Ask staff what they need before you make a trip to the office.

Understanding Income Limits and Rent Calculations

KCHRA uses federal income limits to decide who can enter public housing or receive a voucher. These limits are based on household size and the median income in Kern County. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, but the exact number changes annually.

If you are accepted into a program, your rent is calculated as a percentage of your income — usually 30 percent. So if your household earns $2,000 per month, your rent would be about $600. KCHRA recalculates this each year based on updated income information you provide.

Call KCHRA to ask what the current income limits are for your household size. Staff can also explain how your specific income would affect your rent. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits.

Other Resources KCHRA Can Point You To

KCHRA is not the only housing resource in Kern County. The authority can refer you to nonprofits that help with down payments, credit counseling, or homeownership programs. They also know about emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing programs if you are experiencing homelessness.

If you need help beyond housing — job training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment — ask KCHRA staff. They often have partnerships with local agencies and can connect you to services that address the root of your housing instability.

You can also call 211 (a free information line) to search for housing and social services across Kern County. 211 can tell you about programs KCHRA does not run and help you find services in your specific city or neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list. In Kern County, waits typically range from one to five years, but this varies. When you call KCHRA, ask for the current wait time. Some people move up the list faster if they are elderly, disabled, or homeless.

What if I am behind on rent right now?

Call KCHRA when ready and ask about emergency rental information. Tell them you are at risk of eviction. They will explain what funds are available and whether you meet the requirements. If KCHRA's funds are closed, ask for referrals to other local programs that may still be accepting applications.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in California?

No. A voucher issued by KCHRA can be used in Kern County and a few surrounding areas, but not statewide. If you move out of the county, you would need to transfer your voucher to the housing authority in your new location, and that authority must have available vouchers. Ask KCHRA about portability rules before you plan a move.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing?

Your rent will increase, but you will not be evicted. KCHRA recalculates your rent annually based on your reported income. If you earn more, you pay more rent, but you stay in your unit. Report income changes honestly when KCHRA asks, usually once a year during recertification.

Is there a fee to explore for KCHRA programs?

No. KCHRA does not charge process fees for public housing, vouchers, or emergency rental information. If someone claims to charge you to explore for these programs, they are running a scam. Contact KCHRA directly instead.