What Johnstown Housing Authority Does

Johnstown Housing Authority (JHA) is a public agency that manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The authority owns and operates apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income, and it also administers vouchers that help people rent from private landlords. JHA is not a social service agency — it does not provide cash information, food programs, or utility help — but it is the local body that determines who can live in public housing and how much rent you pay.

JHA serves the city of Johnstown and surrounding areas. If you live outside Cambria County, you would contact a different housing authority in your county. The agency operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which means the income limits, rent calculations, and waiting list procedures are standardized, though JHA makes decisions about how quickly it processes applications and how it prioritizes its waiting list.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnstown Housing Authority manages public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers in Cambria County, and you contact them directly — not through a state office or hotline.
  • Income limits vary by household size and change yearly; you must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long wait times, so call first to learn the current status before gathering documents.
  • JHA staff can tell you over the phone whether you meet basic income and citizenship requirements, but a full review happens only after you submit a formal request.

How to Reach Johnstown Housing Authority

Johnstown Housing Authority is located at 426 Main Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. You can reach them by phone at (814) 535-7458. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; call to confirm current hours before visiting in person, as hours may change seasonally or due to staffing.

When you call, have your household size, current income (approximate), and citizenship status ready. Staff can tell you whether the waiting list is open and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to move forward. Many people find it useful to call first rather than showing up with incomplete paperwork, because JHA can tell you when ready whether you meet the basic income threshold and save you a trip.

You can also visit in person to pick up an process or ask questions face-to-face. If you have difficulty speaking English, call ahead and ask whether an interpreter will be available, or bring someone who can translate for you.

Income Limits and What You Must Prove

Johnstown Housing Authority uses federal income limits that change each year. For 2024, a single person's income limit is typically around $32,000 to $35,000 per year, and a family of four around $51,000 to $56,000, but these numbers vary and are updated annually. Call JHA directly to learn the current limits for your household size, because using an outdated number could waste your time.

To prove your income, JHA will ask for recent documents. Bring the last two months of pay stubs if you work for an employer, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, hourly rate or salary, and how long you have worked there. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return (Form 1040 and Schedule C). If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other benefits, bring a recent award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount. If you have no income, bring documentation of that as well — JHA still processes applications for people with zero income, though they may have a longer waiting list.

Bring original documents or certified copies. JHA will not accept photocopies of pay stubs or tax returns in most cases. If you cannot locate a document, ask JHA whether a letter from your employer or benefits office will substitute.

Public Housing Versus Section 8 Vouchers

Johnstown Housing Authority manages two different programs, and the waiting lists are separate. Public housing means JHA owns the building and you rent an apartment from them directly. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually $25 to $50 per month). JHA maintains the building, handles repairs, and you sign a lease with JHA.

Section 8 vouchers work differently: JHA gives you a voucher that you use to rent from a private landlord. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and JHA inspects the apartment to make sure it meets housing standards. Your portion of the rent is still 30 percent of your income, but the total rent the landlord receives is higher — the voucher makes up the difference.

Both programs have waiting lists, and both are often closed. Call JHA to ask which program has an open list and which has the shorter wait. Some people get onto the public housing list first, then move to a voucher later, or vice versa. You can be on both waiting lists at the same time.

What Happens After You Submit Your Information

Once you submit an process or request form to JHA, staff will review your income, household composition, and citizenship status. This review typically takes two to four weeks. JHA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you have been approved to move forward or whether they need additional documents from you.

If you are approved, your name goes on the waiting list. The waiting list for public housing in Johnstown is typically several years long, though this varies. The Section 8 waiting list may be shorter or longer depending on current demand and funding. JHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, but this can take months or years. You are responsible for keeping your contact information current — if you move or change your phone number, call JHA to update your file.

If you are denied, JHA must tell you why and give you a chance to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or immigration status that does not meet federal requirements.

Citizenship and Immigration Requirements

To live in public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, you must be a U.S. citizen or have a specific immigration status recognized by federal law. Acceptable statuses include lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, and certain other categories. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the requirement, and neither do people on temporary visas such as student or work visas.

When you explore, JHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status. Bring your passport, green card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, call JHA and describe your situation — staff can often tell you over the phone whether you meet this requirement without requiring you to come in person.

If the Waiting List Is Closed

Many months of the year, Johnstown Housing Authority closes its waiting list because it has received enough applications to fill anticipated openings for the next year or more. When the list is closed, you cannot submit an process, and JHA will tell you to call back at a later date.

If you are told the list is closed, ask JHA when it typically reopens. Some authorities reopen their lists in spring or fall; others open them only when funding changes. Write down the date you called and what you were told, so you can follow up later. You can also ask whether there is a way to be notified when the list reopens — some authorities maintain a notification list, though not all.

While you wait for the list to reopen, gather your documents: pay stubs, tax returns, proof of citizenship, and a list of household members with their dates of birth. Having these ready means you can submit an process quickly once the list opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary widely. Public housing in Johnstown typically has a wait of two to five years or longer, depending on your household size and income level. Section 8 vouchers may have a shorter or longer wait. Call JHA to ask for a current estimate based on your situation.

Can I be on both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can submit applications for both programs, and your name can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. Some people receive a voucher first and move into private housing, then later receive public housing. Others do the reverse. There is no penalty for being on both lists.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase. JHA recalculates your rent annually based on your current income. If your income rises significantly, you may eventually earn too much to stay in the program, but this usually takes several years of income growth. JHA will notify you of any rent increase before it takes effect.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

Yes, JHA requires a Social Security number for the head of household and all household members. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Call JHA to ask whether you can submit an process while waiting for your Social Security number to arrive.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but JHA will review the circumstances. If the eviction was recent (within the last few years) or if you have multiple evictions, JHA may deny your process. You can request a hearing to explain your situation. Some applicants are approved despite an eviction history, particularly if they can show the eviction was due to circumstances beyond their control.