What the Oklahoma City Housing Authority does

The Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. It does not set policy for the entire state — each housing authority in Oklahoma operates independently. OCHA manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), and handles emergency rental information when funding is available.

OCHA is not a landlord service or a private company. It is a public agency that answers to a board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Oklahoma City and need information about public housing or vouchers, OCHA is the office you contact directly.

Key Takeaways

  • OCHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rental information you use with a private landlord).
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and the wait time varies depending on the program and your household size.
  • You can reach OCHA by phone, in person, or through its website to learn about current openings and what documents you will need.
  • OCHA also manages emergency rental information when the program has funding, though availability changes throughout the year.
  • Income limits explore to all OCHA programs, and your household size determines which limit applies to you.

Public housing through OCHA

OCHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Oklahoma City. These are called public housing units. If you live in a public housing unit, OCHA is your landlord. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property.

Public housing units are available to households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median income. The actual income limit depends on your household size. OCHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, and the wait time can be several months to over a year depending on the size unit you need and current demand.

To get on the waiting list, you contact OCHA directly. You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and information about your household. OCHA staff can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program allows you to rent from a private landlord and receive a subsidy from OCHA to help pay the rent. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to participate in the program, and OCHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference.

Like public housing, vouchers are limited to households with income at or below 50 percent of area median income at the time you receive the voucher. Once you have a voucher, your income can increase without losing it, though your rent contribution may change.

OCHA's voucher waiting list is typically longer than the public housing list. The agency opens the list periodically when it has funding for new vouchers. When the list is closed, you cannot add your name, and you will need to wait for the next opening announcement. Check OCHA's website or call to find out whether the list is currently open.

How to contact OCHA and what to bring

The Oklahoma City Housing Authority is located at 420 Northwest 5th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. You can reach the main office by phone at (405) 235-6633. The agency also has a website where you can find information about programs, current waiting list status, and process forms.

When you contact OCHA, have ready your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a photo ID, and information about anyone else in your household. If you are currently experiencing homelessness or housing instability, tell OCHA staff — some programs prioritize certain situations.

OCHA's office hours and phone availability vary, so calling ahead or checking the website before visiting in person can save you a trip. Some services may also be available online or by mail.

Income limits and household size

OCHA programs use income limits based on area median income (AMI) for the Oklahoma City region. The limit for public housing and vouchers is 50 percent of AMI. This means a household of one person has a different limit than a household of four people.

Income limits change each year and are set by HUD. OCHA can tell you the current limit for your household size when you call or visit. Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular sources of money. Some income sources are excluded or partially excluded — OCHA staff will explain what counts toward your limit.

Emergency rental information from OCHA

OCHA also administers emergency rental information when funding is available from the federal government. This program helps people who have fallen behind on rent due to a recent hardship. The program pays the landlord directly for back rent and sometimes for future rent.

Emergency rental information is not always available. Funding comes in cycles, and programs run out of money. OCHA's website or a call to the office will tell you whether the program is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary. Public housing waiting lists typically range from several months to over a year depending on unit size. Voucher waiting lists are usually longer. OCHA can give you a specific estimate for your household size when you call or visit.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Oklahoma City?

You can use a voucher with any landlord who agrees to participate in the program and whose unit meets program standards. The unit must be in OCHA's jurisdiction, which is Oklahoma City and some surrounding areas. Not all landlords participate, so you will need to find one willing to work with the program.

What happens if my income increases after I get a voucher?

You keep your voucher. Your rent contribution may increase because it is based on your income, but you do not lose the subsidy. OCHA will recalculate your share at your annual recertification.

Is there a fee to explore for public housing or a voucher?

No. OCHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or vouchers. If someone asks you for money to put you on a waiting list or to speed up the process, that is a scam. Contact OCHA directly.

What if I need help with my process?

OCHA staff can answer questions about the process process and help you understand what documents you need. Call the main office or visit in person. If you need an interpreter, ask OCHA whether that service is available.