What the Salem Housing Authority does and how to reach them

The Salem Housing Authority is a public agency that runs public housing, manages housing vouchers, and administers rental information programs in Marion County, Oregon. They are a separate entity from the City of Salem government, though they work closely with local agencies. If you live in Salem or nearby unincorporated Marion County and need affordable housing information, a housing voucher, or help with rent, the Salem Housing Authority is usually your first contact.

You can reach them at 503-540-0914 or visit their office at 1401 Chemeketa Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. Their website is salemhousing.org. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but call ahead to confirm current hours or to schedule an appointment, as wait times vary by season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Salem Housing Authority manages public housing units, housing vouchers, and emergency rental information — call 503-540-0914 to find out which program fits your situation.
  • Public housing and voucher waitlists are often closed; the Authority updates their website when applications reopen, so check salemhousing.org regularly or call to ask when the next opening is expected.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status to explore for any Salem Housing Authority program.
  • If you are facing eviction, ask the Authority about emergency rental information first — it often moves faster than public housing or voucher programs.

Public housing units managed by Salem Housing Authority

The Salem Housing Authority owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Salem and Marion County. These are affordable units rented to low-income households at a percentage of their income — typically 30 percent of gross monthly income. The Authority maintains several properties, including family apartments, senior housing, and units for people with disabilities.

Public housing waitlists are almost always closed in Salem. When a list does open, the Authority announces it on their website and through local media. You can call 503-540-0914 to ask when the next opening is expected or to request that your name be added to a future list when it becomes available. The wait from process to move-in can be months or years, depending on the property and the size of the waitlist.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Salem Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly called Section 8. A voucher subsidizes your rent at a private landlord's property — the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest. You keep the voucher as long as you meet income limits and lease requirements, and you can use it at any property where the landlord agrees to participate.

The voucher waitlist is also typically closed. When it opens, the Authority prioritizes applicants by date of process and by local preference categories, which may include people who work in Salem, people experiencing homelessness, or people being displaced by public action. Call the Authority to ask about the current status of the waitlist and when you might expect it to reopen.

Emergency rental information and eviction prevention

The Salem Housing Authority distributes emergency rental information funds when they are available. These programs pay landlords directly to cover unpaid rent, and sometimes utilities or other housing costs. Funding comes from federal or state sources and is not permanent — programs open and close based on available money.

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact the Authority when ready. They can tell you whether funds are currently available and what documents you will need. You will typically need a signed lease, proof of income, and proof that your hardship is recent. The Authority may also refer you to other local resources, such as 211 or the Marion County Community Action Partnership, if their own funds are exhausted.

Documents you will need to explore

Most Salem Housing Authority programs require similar paperwork. Have these items ready before you call or visit:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefits statements, or a letter from your employer)
  • Proof of residency in Marion County (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document)
  • A signed lease (for voucher or emergency information programs)
  • Photo identification
  • Social Security numbers for all household members

If you are explore for emergency rental information, also bring an eviction notice if you have one, proof of the amount owed, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind (job loss letter, medical bills, or similar).

What to do if you are denied or waitlisted

If the Salem Housing Authority denies your process, they must provide a reason in writing. Common reasons include income above the program limit, failure to provide required documents, or a criminal history that disqualifies you under federal public housing rules. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

If you are waitlisted, stay in contact with the Authority. Call every few months to confirm your name is still on the list and to ask about the expected timeline. If your circumstances change — your income drops, you move, or your family size changes — tell the Authority, as this may affect your position or your priority.

Other housing resources in Salem

The Salem Housing Authority is not the only source of affordable housing help in Marion County. If their programs are closed or you do not meet their requirements, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) to find emergency rental information, homeless services, or transitional housing. The Marion County Community Action Partnership also runs rental information and weatherization programs.

If you are facing eviction, contact a legal aid organization such as Community Alliance of Tenants or Oregon Law Center to learn your rights and whether you can delay or stop the eviction. Many of these organizations can also help you explore for emergency rental information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For public housing or vouchers, you may wait months or years if you are on a closed waitlist. For emergency rental information, the Authority typically makes a decision within two to four weeks if funds are available. Call 503-540-0914 to ask about the current timeline for the specific program you are interested in.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

Federal law allows the Salem Housing Authority to deny applicants based on certain criminal convictions, but they must follow specific rules. Not all convictions disqualify you. Ask the Authority directly about your situation, or contact Community Alliance of Tenants for help understanding your options.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore for most Salem Housing Authority programs. If you do not have either, contact the Authority to ask about exceptions or alternative documentation they may accept.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher outside of Salem?

Yes, but only in areas where the Salem Housing Authority has a lease-up agreement with other housing authorities. Most vouchers can be used in Salem and surrounding Marion County areas. Call the Authority to ask whether you can use your voucher in a specific city or county.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept a voucher?

Landlords can choose whether to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. If your landlord refuses, you will need to find a different property with a landlord who accepts vouchers. The Salem Housing Authority can provide a list of participating landlords or help you search.