What McKeesport Housing Authority Does

The McKeesport Housing Authority is a local public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. It does not operate statewide or nationally — it serves only residents of McKeesport and a small surrounding area. The Authority owns and manages public housing apartments and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays a portion of rent at private landlord properties.

The Authority is separate from the state or federal government, though it receives federal funding and must follow federal rules. You contact the McKeesport Housing Authority directly to learn about programs in your area, not a state office or national hotline.

Key Takeaways

  • The McKeesport Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that work at private landlord apartments.
  • Income limits exist for both programs and vary by family size; the Authority can tell you your limit in one phone call.
  • Public housing and voucher waiting lists are separate, and both may be closed or have long wait times depending on current demand.
  • You must contact the McKeesport Housing Authority office directly — they do not take applications through state or federal websites.
  • The Authority requires proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check before you can move into public housing or receive a voucher.

Public Housing vs. Housing Choice Vouchers

The McKeesport Housing Authority owns and manages public housing buildings. These are apartments the Authority owns outright. Your rent is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and the Authority collects it directly. Public housing is available in limited quantities, and the waiting list can be long.

Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The Authority gives you a voucher (a document stating the amount it will pay toward rent), and you find a private landlord willing to accept it. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The landlord receives the Authority's payment directly. Voucher waiting lists are also typically long and may be closed to new applications.

Both programs have income limits. A family earning above the limit cannot enter either program. The limits change yearly and depend on family size. Call the McKeesport Housing Authority to learn the current limit for your household.

How to Contact McKeesport Housing Authority

The McKeesport Housing Authority office is located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. You can reach them by phone, mail, or in person. The office hours and phone number are available through the Authority's main office — search online for "McKeesport Housing Authority" to find current contact details, as phone numbers and addresses can change.

When you call, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is open. Many housing authorities close their lists when demand is high, and you cannot explore if the list is closed. If the list is open, ask what documents you need to bring or mail in to start the process.

Documents You Will Need

The McKeesport Housing Authority will ask for proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and permission to run a background check. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of your job search or a statement explaining your situation.

For citizenship or legal residency, bring a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other government-issued document. The Authority will also ask about your housing history, any criminal convictions, and whether you have been evicted. Be honest — the Authority will verify this information.

Bring proof of identity (a driver's license or state ID) and proof of residence in McKeesport or the service area. A utility bill or lease in your name works for this. The Authority may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

Income Limits and Rent Calculation

The McKeesport Housing Authority sets income limits each year based on the area median income. These limits vary by family size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. If your household income exceeds the limit, you will not be able to enter public housing or receive a voucher.

In public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the Authority's minimum rent, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is set by the Authority and is typically between $25 and $75 per month. Your rent does not change based on the apartment size — it is based only on your income.

With a Housing Choice Voucher, the Authority pays a portion of the rent based on the apartment's fair market rent in your area. You pay the difference. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If it rents for more, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Waiting Lists and Timeline

Both public housing and voucher waiting lists are typically long in most areas. Wait times vary widely — some people wait months, others wait years. The McKeesport Housing Authority prioritizes applicants based on their own rules, which may include homelessness, disability, or other factors. Ask the Authority what their current wait time is when you call.

If the waiting list is closed, ask when it might reopen. Some authorities reopen lists seasonally or when funding becomes available. You can also ask to be placed on a future list if one exists. Do not assume you cannot explore — call and ask directly.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, the McKeesport Housing Authority will verify your income, residency, and background. This process typically takes several weeks. The Authority will contact you if they need additional documents or information. Keep your phone number and address current with them so they can reach you.

If you are approved, you will be placed on the waiting list in the order determined by the Authority's rules. When a unit becomes available (for public housing) or when your name reaches the top of the list (for vouchers), the Authority will contact you. For public housing, you will be shown available apartments and can choose from what is offered. For vouchers, you will receive the voucher and have a set amount of time to find a landlord who will accept it.

If you are denied, the Authority must tell you why and give you a chance to appeal. Ask for the reason in writing and ask about the appeal process if you believe the decision is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

The McKeesport Housing Authority will run a background check and may deny you based on certain convictions. However, not all criminal history automatically disqualifies you. Call the Authority and ask what their policy is before you explore, or ask during the process process what they found and whether you can appeal.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status to live in public housing or receive a voucher. Bring documentation of your status — a green card, work visa, or other legal document. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, call the Authority and ask before you explore.

Can I explore if I am currently homeless?

Yes. Homelessness does not disqualify you. Some housing authorities prioritize homeless applicants on their waiting lists. When you explore, tell the Authority about your current housing situation. Bring whatever documents you can — a shelter letter, mail sent to a shelter address, or a statement from a social worker can serve as proof of residence.

How long does it take to get a voucher or apartment after I am approved?

Approval and placement are different. You may be approved within weeks, but placement depends on availability. For public housing, you wait until a unit opens. For vouchers, you wait until your name reaches the top of the list, which can take months or years. Once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord, though this varies.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Call the Authority and ask when the list might reopen. Some authorities reopen lists once a year or when funding changes. Ask if you can be added to a future list or notified when applications reopen. Do not wait passively — call back every few months to check the status.