What the Housing Authority of Montgomery Does

The Housing Authority of Montgomery (HAM) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Montgomery, Alabama. It operates housing developments for low-income residents and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps may be able to access households pay rent in privately owned apartments and homes throughout the city.

HAM is separate from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), though it follows HUD rules and receives HUD funding. The agency answers to a local board and serves Montgomery residents directly. If you live in Montgomery and need information about public housing or rental information, HAM is the office you contact — not a state or federal agency.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of Montgomery manages public housing units and administers Section 8 vouchers for renters in the Montgomery area.
  • You can reach HAM by phone, mail, or in person at their main office; their contact information and office hours are available on their website.
  • Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists that open and close based on funding, so you need to contact HAM directly to learn whether applications are currently being taken.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both have income limits that vary by household size, and you will need to provide proof of income and other documents to be considered.
  • HAM also manages other programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency and homeownership information, which may be available depending on your situation.

How to Contact the Housing Authority of Montgomery

The main office of the Housing Authority of Montgomery is located in Montgomery and can be reached by phone during business hours. The agency's website lists the current phone number, mailing address, and office hours. You can also visit in person to ask questions or request information about programs.

When you call or visit, have your household information ready: the number of people in your household, your current income, and whether you are currently renting or homeless. HAM staff can tell you which programs may be available to you and what documents you will need to provide. If you do not have internet access, you can call to request that forms be mailed to you.

Some questions can be answered quickly over the phone, but others — such as whether a waiting list is open — may require you to speak with a specific department. Ask to be transferred to the right person rather than leaving a message if your question is time-sensitive.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Montgomery

The Section 8 program gives may be able to access renters a voucher that covers part of their rent in a privately owned apartment or house. You find the rental property yourself, and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher. HAM pays the landlord directly, and you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

Montgomery's Section 8 waiting list opens and closes based on funding. When the list is open, you can request an process. When it is closed, you cannot explore, and HAM will tell you when it may open again. The only way to know the current status is to contact HAM directly — the waiting list status changes and is not posted on most websites.

If you are accepted into the program, you will go through an orientation, receive your voucher, and then have a set amount of time to find a rental property. The landlord must agree to rent to you at a price HAM considers reasonable for the area. The process from process to receiving a voucher typically takes several months.

Public Housing Units Managed by HAM

The Housing Authority of Montgomery owns and operates public housing developments throughout the city. These are apartment complexes or scattered single-family homes rented to low-income households. Rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — rather than market rate.

Public housing has its own waiting list, which may be open or closed. Like Section 8, the only way to know is to contact HAM. If you are interested in public housing, ask about the current waiting list status and what documents you need to provide. Income limits explore, and your household size determines which units you may be offered.

Public housing comes with lease terms and house rules. You are responsible for maintaining the unit, and HAM conducts regular inspections. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, you may be charged for repairs.

Income Limits and What You Need to Bring

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on the area median income for Montgomery. The limit depends on your household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. HAM can tell you the current income limits when you contact them, as these are updated yearly.

To be considered for either program, you will need to provide proof of income. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits, bring documentation of those. You will also need to provide identification, proof of residency, and a Social Security number for each household member.

HAM will also conduct a background check and may contact previous landlords or employers. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, you may still be considered, but HAM will review the details. Being honest about your history is better than having HAM discover it during the background check.

Other Programs Offered by HAM

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the Housing Authority of Montgomery may offer other programs depending on funding and current priorities. The Family Self-Sufficiency program helps participants increase income and reduce dependence on housing information. Some housing authorities also offer homeownership programs or emergency information for people at risk of homelessness.

These programs are not always available, and may be able to access varies. When you contact HAM, ask what programs are currently running and whether you might be considered for any of them. Staff can explain the requirements and what each program offers.

What Happens After You Contact HAM

After your initial contact, HAM will either send you an process or schedule an appointment for you to come in. If you are explore for Section 8 or public housing, you will fill out the process and submit it with your documents. HAM will review your process and contact you if they need more information.

The timeline varies. If you are explore while a waiting list is open, your process goes on the list and you wait for your number to be called. This can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you. If you are explore for public housing and a unit becomes available that matches your household size and income, HAM will contact you with an offer.

If you are denied, HAM must tell you why and give you a chance to respond. You can request a hearing to dispute the decision. Ask about the appeal process when you receive a denial letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The timeline depends on how many people are on the waiting list ahead of you. It can take several months to several years from the time you explore until your number is called. Once you are selected, the process from orientation to receiving your voucher typically takes a few more months. Contact HAM to ask about current wait times.

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

Yes. The two programs are separate, and you can be on both waiting lists. If you are offered public housing while waiting for Section 8, you can accept the housing offer and stay on the Section 8 list, or you can decline and wait for a voucher. Ask HAM about their policy on holding both.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 or public housing. HAM will review the circumstances — whether it was recent, whether you have paid back what you owed, and whether you have stable housing now. Be honest about it when you explore. HAM will find out during the background check anyway.

Do I have to live in Montgomery to explore?

Most housing authorities, including Montgomery's, serve only their local area. You typically must live or work in Montgomery to be considered. Contact HAM to confirm their service area and residency requirements.

What if I cannot reach HAM by phone?

Try calling during different times of day or on different days — phone lines are often busy. You can also visit the office in person during business hours or send a letter to their mailing address. If you have internet access, check their website for email contact information or online forms.