What the Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri does

The Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri (HACM) is a public agency that runs rental information programs and manages public housing in Kansas City. It does not build or own most of the apartments it helps with — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it administers the waiting list for public housing units that HACM itself owns. If you live in Kansas City and need help paying rent, or you are looking for affordable public housing, HACM is the local body that handles both.

HACM operates with federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency's main programs are the Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8), which lets tenants rent from private landlords with HACM paying part of the rent, and public housing, where HACM owns the building and you pay rent directly to the agency. HACM also manages emergency rental information when federal or state funds become available for that purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • HACM runs the Section 8 voucher program and owns public housing units in Kansas City, and it is the place to contact if you need rental information or are looking for affordable housing.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, so you will need to check HACM's website or call to find out when it opens.
  • Public housing waiting lists are also long, and HACM prioritizes based on factors like homelessness, disability, and family size.
  • HACM's office is located in Kansas City, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current programs and waiting list status.
  • Income limits explore to all HACM programs, and your household size and recent earnings determine whether you meet them.

How Section 8 vouchers work through HACM

If HACM approves you for a Section 8 voucher, the agency gives you a document that lets you rent from a private landlord of your choice. HACM then pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month, and you pay the rest out of pocket. The amount HACM pays depends on your income, the size of your household, and the rent level in your neighborhood. You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow the lease.

The waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Kansas City is typically closed because there are far more people who want vouchers than there are vouchers available. HACM opens the list periodically, usually for a short window of a few days or weeks. You can check HACM's website or call their main office to find out whether the list is currently open. When it does open, you must explore during that window — there is no way to get on the list outside of those periods.

Once you are on the waiting list, the wait can be years. HACM prioritizes certain households, such as those experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with very young children, but even prioritized applicants often wait a long time. HACM will contact you when a voucher becomes available and you are next in line.

Public housing managed by HACM

HACM owns and manages apartment buildings and townhouses throughout Kansas City. These are public housing units, meaning HACM is both the landlord and the agency that determines rent based on your income. Rent in public housing is typically set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, so it changes if your income changes. You explore directly to HACM for public housing, and your name goes on a waiting list.

Like the Section 8 list, the public housing waiting list is long. HACM prioritizes applicants based on need — homelessness, disability, very low income, and family composition all factor into the order. The wait time varies by neighborhood and unit type. Some HACM properties are designated for seniors or people with disabilities, and those have separate waiting lists.

If you are accepted into public housing, you sign a lease with HACM and pay rent monthly. HACM handles maintenance and repairs as the landlord. You must follow lease rules, which include keeping the unit in good condition and reporting maintenance problems promptly.

Income limits and who can use HACM programs

All HACM programs have income limits based on the federal poverty guidelines and adjusted for household size. For Section 8 and public housing, you must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) to be considered, though HACM prioritizes households at or below 50 percent AMI. The exact income limits change yearly and depend on how many people live in your household.

You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you are unemployed, HACM will ask for documentation of benefits or other income sources. Self-employed people need to show tax returns and sometimes a profit-and-loss statement. HACM recertifies your income periodically to make sure you still meet the limits.

Citizenship or immigration status requirements explore to HACM programs. You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or have may be able to access immigration status. HACM will ask for proof of status during the process process.

How to contact HACM and explore

The Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri is located at 4300 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. You can reach them by phone at (816) 474-4400 during business hours. HACM's website has information about current programs, waiting list status, and how the process works. You can also visit the office in person to ask questions or pick up process materials.

To explore for Section 8 or public housing, you will need to complete an process form. HACM will ask for proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers for all household members, and information about your current housing situation. If you are explore during a Section 8 waiting list opening, you must submit your process before the important date closes.

Processing times vary. HACM will contact you if you are selected for an interview or if they need additional information. Keep your contact information current with HACM so they can reach you when it is your turn.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, HACM will give you a voucher packet that explains how to use it. You then search for an apartment that meets HACM's standards and whose rent is within the payment standard for your area. Once you find a place and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, HACM inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, HACM signs a contract with the landlord, and you move in.

If you are approved for public housing, HACM will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your needs. You will be offered a specific apartment or townhouse. If you accept it, you sign a lease and move in. Your rent is calculated based on your income at the time you move in, and it is recalculated each year during recertification.

In both cases, you must follow lease rules and report any changes in your household income or composition to HACM. Failure to do so can result in loss of the voucher or eviction from public housing.

Emergency rental information and other HACM programs

When federal or state emergency rental information funds become available, HACM sometimes administers those programs. These are temporary and usually tied to specific hardships like job loss or pandemic-related income reduction. HACM's website will announce when emergency funds are open and how the process works. These programs are separate from the regular Section 8 and public housing programs.

HACM also manages other HUD programs that may be available in Kansas City, such as Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), which pairs rental information with job training and financial counseling. Ask HACM directly about what programs are currently running, since availability changes based on federal funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waiting list open right now?

The waiting list status changes frequently. You must check HACM's website or call (816) 474-4400 to find out whether the list is currently open. When it does open, you typically have only a few days or weeks to explore, so check regularly if you are interested.

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

Wait times vary widely depending on your priority level and current demand. Some applicants wait several years. HACM will tell you your approximate position on the list when you explore, though that can change as people ahead of you are served or drop off the list.

What if my income goes up after I get a Section 8 voucher?

You must report income changes to HACM. If your income exceeds the limit, you may lose your voucher. However, some programs allow a gradual phase-out period. Contact HACM when ready if your income increases to understand how it affects your information.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in Kansas City?

You can rent from any private landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers, but the unit must pass HACM's housing quality inspection and the rent must be within HACM's payment standard for your area. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you will need to search for willing landlords.

What documents do I need to explore?

You will need a photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, recent pay stubs or tax returns to prove income, and proof of current address. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of any benefits. HACM will give you a full list of required documents when you request an process.