What the Housing Authority of Luzerne County does

The Housing Authority of Luzerne County (HALC) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Kingston and across Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It does not provide emergency information or one-time grants. Instead, it manages two main programs: public housing units that HALC owns directly, and Section 8 vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent.

HALC is a separate government body from the City of Kingston or Luzerne County government. It answers to a board of commissioners and receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you want to know whether a specific building is managed by HALC or to reach their office, you will need to contact them directly — their phone number and address are the fastest way to get current information about their programs and waiting lists.

Key Takeaways

  • HALC runs public housing (buildings it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information for private apartments), but does not provide emergency rental help or one-time payments.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, and HALC prioritizes based on income and housing need, not the order applications arrive.
  • To get on a waiting list, you must contact HALC directly by phone or in person; there is no online registration for most programs.
  • Your rent in HALC housing or with a voucher is typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your household size and income.
  • If you need help right now with rent you cannot pay, HALC is not the right resource — contact your local 211 service or county emergency information instead.

Public housing managed by HALC in Kingston

HALC owns and operates apartment buildings in Kingston and other parts of Luzerne County. These are not subsidized private apartments — HALC itself is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which is usually much lower than market rent in the area. You must meet income limits to move in, and those limits vary by household size.

To get into public housing, you must be on HALC's waiting list. The waiting list is not first-come, first-served. HALC prioritizes households based on income level, whether you are currently homeless or in unsafe housing, and family size. Wait times vary depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. Some buildings may have shorter waits than others.

Once you are accepted, HALC will inspect the unit before you move in and will conduct regular inspections while you live there. You are responsible for keeping the unit in good condition, and HALC can evict you if you damage the property, do not pay rent, or violate lease terms.

Section 8 vouchers through HALC

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment that HALC sends directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment from a landlord who accepts Section 8, and your rent is split between the voucher payment and your own contribution (usually 30 percent of your income). The voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by HUD for your area.

Section 8 waiting lists are typically very long — sometimes years. HALC prioritizes based on the same factors as public housing: income, current housing situation, and family size. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass a housing inspection before you can move in.

While you hold a voucher, you pay HALC a portion of your rent each month. If your income changes, your rent contribution may change. If you lose the voucher or move out of the area, you lose the benefit — vouchers do not transfer between housing authorities.

Income limits and what you will pay

HALC programs have income limits that change each year. These limits depend on your household size and are set by HUD based on the area's median income. If your household income is above the limit, you cannot get into the program. If your income is below the limit, you may be on the waiting list, but being below the limit does not mean you will be accepted — HALC prioritizes the lowest-income households first.

Your monthly rent payment in either HALC public housing or with a Section 8 voucher is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your household makes $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. This amount is the same whether you live in public housing or use a voucher, though the total rent the landlord receives may be higher if you are using a voucher.

You will need to report changes in income to HALC. If you get a job or lose a job, tell them. If your household size changes, tell them. These changes can affect your rent amount and may affect whether you stay in the program.

How to contact HALC and get on a waiting list

To get on a waiting list for HALC public housing or a Section 8 voucher, you must contact the Housing Authority of Luzerne County directly. Call their main office or visit in person. You cannot register online for most HALC programs. When you call or visit, ask whether the waiting list is currently open — some programs close their lists when they are very long and reopen later.

Bring documents with you: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency in Luzerne County, and information about your household (names and ages of everyone living with you). If you are currently homeless or in an unsafe situation, mention that when you explore — it may move you higher on the priority list.

After you submit your information, HALC will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years. Do not assume you have been denied if you do not hear back quickly — you are on the list and waiting.

What HALC does not do

HALC does not provide emergency rental help for rent you owe right now. It does not give grants, one-time payments, or utility information. It does not help with eviction prevention or legal fees. If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, HALC is not the resource to contact.

For emergency help with rent you cannot pay, contact your local 211 service (dial 211 or visit 211.org), your county's emergency information program, or a local nonprofit that handles rental help. These programs can sometimes pay your landlord directly or help you avoid eviction while you wait for a long-term housing solution.

What happens after you move into HALC housing

Once you are living in HALC public housing or using a Section 8 voucher, you have ongoing responsibilities. You must pay your rent on time each month. You must keep the unit clean and in good repair. You must follow all lease rules, which include rules about guests, pets, and use of the unit.

HALC will conduct inspections of public housing units regularly and will inspect Section 8 units at least once a year. If the unit fails inspection because of damage or maintenance issues, you may be asked to fix the problem or face lease violation. If you do not pay rent or break lease rules, HALC can start eviction proceedings.

If your income changes, you must report it. If you move or want to leave the program, you must give notice. If you are using a Section 8 voucher and move out of Luzerne County, the voucher ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for HALC housing?

Wait times vary by program and change over time. Some waiting lists are several months long; others may be years. The only way to know the current wait time is to contact HALC directly. They can tell you whether the list is open and roughly how long people are waiting for the type of housing you need.

Can I get into HALC housing if I have an eviction on my record?

HALC will review your history, but a past eviction does not automatically disqualify you. They look at the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened. Contact HALC directly to discuss your situation — they can tell you whether you can get on the waiting list.

What if my income goes up after I move into HALC housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You must report income changes to HALC. If your income rises above the program limit, you may eventually be asked to leave, though HALC usually gives you time to transition out.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from HALC anywhere in Pennsylvania?

No. A Section 8 voucher from HALC is only good in Luzerne County. If you move to another county or state, the voucher ends. You would need to get on a waiting list in your new location.

What do I do if I cannot pay my rent right now?

Contact your local 211 service, your county's emergency information office, or a local nonprofit housing organization. These programs handle emergency rent help. HALC handles long-term housing but not when ready financial emergencies.