What the McHenry County Housing Authority does

The McHenry County Housing Authority (MCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in McHenry County, Illinois. It does not build or own most of the housing itself. Instead, it issues vouchers that let you rent from private landlords, and it pays part of your rent directly to them. The Authority also manages some public housing units and administers other local information programs.

MCHA is separate from your city or village government. It has its own board, its own staff, and its own waiting lists. If you live in McHenry County and need rental help, MCHA is usually the first place to contact — but the wait to receive a voucher can be months or years, depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Key Takeaways

  • McHenry County Housing Authority runs the Section 8 voucher program for the county, which pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord you choose.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 to 80 percent of the county's median income) and be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant to be considered.
  • The waiting list for vouchers is typically closed, and when it opens, hundreds of people explore within days; you can call MCHA to ask when the list will reopen.
  • MCHA also manages public housing units and emergency information programs, which may have shorter wait times than the voucher program.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a valid ID to start the process.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. MCHA gives you a voucher, you find a rental unit that meets program standards, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest — usually 30 percent of your household income, though this varies. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and sign a contract with MCHA.

The voucher is not cash. You cannot use it to buy anything other than rent. The Authority pays the landlord directly, so you do not handle the subsidy money yourself. If you move to a different rental unit, you can take the voucher with you, as long as the new unit meets program standards and the new landlord agrees to participate.

Vouchers are portable within McHenry County and can sometimes be used in other counties if you have a reason to move and MCHA approves the transfer. The process for moving out of county takes several weeks and requires advance notice.

Income limits and who can receive a voucher

To be considered for a Section 8 voucher from MCHA, your household income must fall below a set limit. That limit changes each year and depends on your household size. For a single person, the limit is usually around 50 percent of the county's median income; for larger households, it is higher. MCHA publishes the current year's limits on its website or can tell you over the phone.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or an may be able to access immigrant with valid immigration status. MCHA will ask for proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other immigration document. All household members age 18 and older must provide Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs).

You cannot have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years, and you cannot have a criminal record involving drug manufacturing or certain violent crimes. MCHA will run a background check. Other criminal history is reviewed case by case.

The waiting list and how to get on it

MCHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list is usually closed, meaning new people cannot be added. When MCHA opens the list — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — it stays open for a short window, often just a few days. Hundreds of people explore during that window.

To find out when the list will reopen, call MCHA directly at the phone number on its website or visit the office in person. Staff can tell you whether the list is currently open and, if it is closed, when it last opened and whether there is any estimate for the next opening. Some people wait two to five years from the time they are added to the list until they receive a voucher.

When you are called off the waiting list, MCHA will schedule an appointment for you to come in and complete the formal intake process. At that appointment, you will provide documents proving your income, identity, and household composition. If you miss the appointment, you may lose your place.

Documents you will need to bring

MCHA will ask for several types of proof. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted. You will need a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for each adult in the household, proof of Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of current residency (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your address).

You will also need to show your income. This means recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, tax returns from the past two years, or proof of benefits (Social Security, unemployment, TANF, SNAP). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records. If you have no income, bring a letter explaining your situation and any proof of support from family members.

Bring proof of all household members' ages — birth certificates are best. If you have custody of children, bring custody papers or a birth certificate showing you as the parent. If anyone in the household receives disability benefits, bring the award letter from Social Security.

Public housing and other MCHA programs

MCHA also owns and operates public housing units throughout McHenry County. Public housing is different from a voucher: MCHA owns the building, you are a tenant of MCHA, and your rent is set at 30 percent of your income. The waiting list for public housing is separate from the voucher list and may move faster in some cases.

MCHA may also administer emergency rental information or other local programs funded by the county or state. These programs change year to year depending on available funding. When you call MCHA, ask whether any emergency information is currently available, because these programs often have shorter wait times and lower income requirements than the main voucher program.

How to contact McHenry County Housing Authority

MCHA has a main office and may have satellite offices in different parts of the county. The best way to reach them is by phone — staff can answer questions about whether the waiting list is open, what documents you need, and which programs might fit your situation. You can also visit in person during business hours to pick up an process or ask questions face to face.

If you cannot reach MCHA directly, you can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for information about McHenry County Housing Authority. The 211 operator can give you current phone numbers and office hours, and can sometimes tell you whether the waiting list is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher after I am added to the waiting list?

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how fast MCHA is issuing vouchers. Wait times have ranged from a few months to several years. MCHA can tell you roughly where you fall on the list when you are added, but cannot may provide when you will be called.

Can I explore for a voucher if I am currently homeless?

Yes. You do not need a current address to be added to the waiting list. When you are called for intake, you will need to provide a mailing address where MCHA can reach you — this can be a shelter, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service. Bring proof of homelessness (a shelter letter or case manager's statement) to your intake appointment.

What happens if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

Your rent portion will increase, because it is based on your current income. MCHA recalculates your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose the voucher, though MCHA usually gives you time to find other housing. Report income changes to MCHA as soon as they happen.

Can I use my voucher to rent from a family member?

No. MCHA does not allow vouchers to be used for units owned by anyone in your household or by a close relative. This rule prevents fraud. The landlord must be an unrelated third party.

What if the waiting list is closed and I need housing help now?

Ask MCHA about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or other short-term programs. Call 211 to find out about emergency information in your area. Some nonprofits and local agencies offer help while you wait for the voucher list to reopen. MCHA staff can point you toward these resources.