What the Housing Authority of Contra Costa does

The Housing Authority of Contra Costa County (HACCC) is a public agency that administers rental information and housing programs across unincorporated Contra Costa County and several contract cities. It does not build or own housing itself. Instead, it manages federal money that goes to landlords and tenants, runs the Section 8 voucher program for the county, and processes applications for emergency rental information when funding is available.

HACCC is separate from individual city housing departments. If you live in a city like Walnut Creek, Concord, or Antioch, your city may have its own housing programs, but HACCC handles the countywide programs and the Section 8 waiting list. The agency's main office is in Concord, though you can reach it by phone or mail without visiting in person.

Key Takeaways

  • HACCC administers Section 8 vouchers and emergency rental information for Contra Costa County, but does not own housing or provide direct rent payments outside of these programs.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed, and reopening dates are announced on the HACCC website when applications resume.
  • Emergency rental information is available when funded, but the program opens and closes based on available money and demand.
  • You contact HACCC directly by phone or mail to ask about current programs; the agency does not process requests through third-party websites.
  • HACCC requires proof of income, residency, and a signed lease or rental agreement for most programs.

Section 8 vouchers and the waiting list

HACCC manages the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Contra Costa County. A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord; you pay the difference. The voucher amount depends on your income and the local rent standard for your area.

The Section 8 waiting list periodically opens and closes. When it is open, you can submit a request to be added. When it is closed, no new applications are accepted, even if you meet the income requirements. HACCC posts the status of the waiting list on its website and announces reopenings through local media and partner agencies. There is no fee to be on the waiting list, and you do not lose your place if you move within the county.

Waiting times vary. In some years, the list moves quickly; in others, it can take several years to reach the top. HACCC will contact you by mail or phone when it is your turn to complete the next step, which is a detailed income verification interview.

Emergency rental information when it is available

When HACCC receives funding for emergency rental information, it opens an process period. This program pays rent you already owe (arrears) to your landlord, not future rent. You must have a signed lease or rental agreement, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind — such as job loss, illness, or reduced hours.

The process process requires you to provide your landlord's name, address, and contact information. HACCC pays the landlord directly. Processing typically takes two to six weeks, though it can be longer if the program receives many applications at once.

Emergency rental information funding runs out. When the fund is exhausted, HACCC closes applications and does not reopen until new money arrives. You can call HACCC or check its website to learn whether the program is currently open and accepting new requests.

How to contact HACCC and what documents to have ready

HACCC's main office is located in Concord. You can reach the agency by phone during business hours to ask about current programs, waiting list status, or to request an process. The phone number and mailing address are on the HACCC website. You can also mail a written request to the agency's address.

Before you call or write, gather these documents: a photo ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and a signed lease or rental agreement if you are explore for rental information. If you are explore for Section 8, you will also need to provide information about anyone living with you and their income.

HACCC does not process applications through email or third-party websites. You must contact the agency directly by phone or mail. Be prepared to wait on hold during peak hours, especially early in the month or when a new program opens.

Income limits and how they are calculated

HACCC uses Area Median Income (AMI) to determine who can receive information. For Section 8, the income limit is typically 50 percent of AMI for your area of Contra Costa County. For emergency rental information, income limits may be higher, often 80 percent of AMI or more, depending on the funding source.

AMI is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and changes each year. It also varies by family size. A family of four has a different income limit than a single person. HACCC publishes its current income limits on its website. If your household income is at or below the limit for your family size, you may be considered. If you are above the limit, you will not be considered for most programs.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. One-time payments, such as tax refunds or gifts, are usually not counted.

What happens after you submit a request

After HACCC receives your request, a staff member will contact you to confirm your information and schedule an interview or verification call. This is not a decision yet — it is a fact-checking step. You will be asked to provide documents that prove your income, residency, and household composition.

If you are explore for emergency rental information, HACCC will also contact your landlord to verify the lease and the amount of rent owed. This can take one to three weeks. Once HACCC has verified everything, it will make a decision and notify you in writing.

If you are approved for Section 8, you will receive a voucher and instructions on how to search for housing and have your landlord sign a lease addendum. If you are approved for emergency rental information, HACCC will send payment to your landlord. You will receive a copy of the payment confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Section 8 waiting list open again?

HACCC announces waiting list reopenings on its website and through local media. You can call the agency or check its website regularly to learn the current status. There is no way to know the exact date in advance; it depends on funding and how quickly the current list is moving.

Can I explore for emergency rental information if I have an eviction notice?

Yes. In fact, an active eviction case often moves your request up in the queue. Bring the notice with you or mention the court date when you contact HACCC. Some programs can notify the court that information is pending, which may pause the case.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

You will not be considered for that program. Income limits are set by federal law and HACCC cannot make exceptions. However, different programs have different limits — emergency rental information limits are often higher than Section 8 limits — so you may may have access to for one program but not another.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

For emergency rental information, expect two to six weeks if the program is not overwhelmed. For Section 8, after you are called for an interview, the verification process usually takes four to eight weeks. Times vary depending on how many people are explore and how quickly you provide documents.

Can I explore online?

HACCC does not currently accept online applications. You must contact the agency by phone or mail. Some partner organizations may help you prepare your request, but the submission goes directly to HACCC.