What the Housing Authority of Stanislaus County actually does

The Housing Authority of Stanislaus County (HASC) is a public agency that runs two main programs from its office in Modesto: the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing. Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent to a private landlord on your behalf. Public housing means HASC owns the building you live in. Both programs serve people whose income falls below set limits — those limits change yearly and depend on family size.

HASC does not run emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or homeless services. Those programs exist in Stanislaus County but are run by different agencies. HASC's job is to manage long-term housing for low-income households through these two specific programs.

The agency is located at 1313 I Street in Modesto. You can reach them by phone at (209) 558-4600. Their office hours and current program status are posted on their website, which you should check before visiting or calling, because program openings and closures change throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • HASC runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing — two separate programs with different waitlists and different requirements.
  • Both programs have income limits based on family size, and those limits are set by the federal government and updated each year.
  • Waitlists for both programs are often closed, and you must call or visit HASC directly to learn whether you can be added.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, and residency in Stanislaus County to start the process for either program.
  • HASC is not the agency to contact for emergency rent help, homelessness services, or rapid rehousing — those are run by other Stanislaus County departments.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through HASC

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent to a private landlord. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and HASC pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the difference. The amount HASC pays is based on your income and the local rent market.

To be considered for a Section 8 voucher, your household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area median income for Stanislaus County. That threshold changes yearly. A family of four, for example, might have a limit around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, but you must confirm the current year's limit by contacting HASC directly — do not rely on older numbers.

The Section 8 waitlist in Stanislaus County is frequently closed. When it is open, HASC accepts applications for a set period, then closes the list again. You must call (209) 558-4600 to find out whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

Public housing managed by HASC

HASC owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Stanislaus County. These are buildings where HASC is the landlord. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. Public housing has its own waitlist, separate from Section 8.

Income limits for public housing are the same as for Section 8: at or below 50 percent of area median income. However, HASC gives priority to people with the lowest incomes, so even if you are under the limit, you may wait longer if your income is higher than others on the list.

Like the Section 8 waitlist, the public housing waitlist opens and closes. Call HASC to confirm whether you can be added. If the list is closed, ask about the expected reopening date and whether you can request a call when it opens again.

Documents you will need to bring

Both Section 8 and public housing require the same basic paperwork. You will need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof that you live in Stanislaus County (a utility bill or lease in your name). If you receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well.

If you have a criminal history or prior evictions, bring documentation of those too. HASC will review your history, but a record does not automatically disqualify you. Bring the facts so HASC can make an informed decision rather than assuming the worst.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If documents are in another language, bring the original and an English translation. HASC can direct you to translation services if you need one.

How long the process takes and what happens next

After you submit your process, HASC will verify your income, check your identity, and review your housing history. This verification step typically takes four to eight weeks. You will be contacted if HASC needs additional documents or has questions.

If you are found to meet the program requirements, you will be placed on the waitlist. For Section 8, you may wait months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available. For public housing, the wait depends on the number of vacant units and your priority level based on income.

Once a voucher or apartment becomes available, HASC will contact you. For Section 8, you then have a set time to find an apartment and have the landlord approved. For public housing, HASC will show you available units and you choose one that fits your needs.

Income limits and rent calculations

HASC uses the federal income limits set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits vary by family size and are based on the median income in Stanislaus County. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four.

For Section 8, your rent contribution is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. HASC calculates your adjusted income by taking your gross income and subtracting certain deductions — such as child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and disability information expenses. The exact calculation depends on your situation.

For public housing, the same 30 percent rule applies. HASC will calculate your rent based on your income at the time you move in. If your income changes, you must report it to HASC, and your rent may adjust.

When HASC is not the right contact

Stanislaus County has other housing programs that HASC does not run. If you need emergency rent help because you are behind on payments or facing eviction, contact the Stanislaus County Department of Social Services or call 211 to find the current emergency rental information program. If you are experiencing homelessness or need rapid rehousing, contact the Stanislaus County Homeless Services office.

If you need help paying utilities, explore for CalFresh (food information), or other social services, those are handled by different county departments. HASC's role is limited to Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waitlists. You can explore to both and be on both lists. If one becomes available first, you can accept it and ask to be removed from the other list, or stay on both lists in case your circumstances change.

What if I have a criminal record or prior eviction?

HASC reviews each case individually. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HASC will consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Bring documentation and be honest about your history.

How do I know if the waitlist is open?

Call HASC at (209) 558-4600 and ask directly whether the Section 8 waitlist and the public housing waitlist are currently open. The staff can tell you the status that day and explain how the process works if either list is accepting applications.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am approved?

For Section 8, if your income rises above the limit, you can stay in the program but your rent contribution will increase. HASC will recalculate your rent based on your new income. For public housing, the same rule applies — your rent adjusts but you do not lose your housing.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Stanislaus County?

Section 8 vouchers can be used in other counties, but you must request a transfer through HASC and the receiving housing authority must have available vouchers. Contact HASC before you move to start the transfer process.