What the Monroe County Housing Authority does and who runs it

The Monroe County Housing Authority (MCHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in Rochester and surrounding areas of Monroe County, New York. It does not set housing policy for the entire county — it runs specific housing programs and owns specific buildings. The MCHA is governed by a board of commissioners and answers to New York State's Division of Housing and Community Renewal.

MCHA's main role is to operate public housing and administer voucher programs that help lower-income households afford rent. It also manages some supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The agency is separate from the City of Rochester's housing department, though they coordinate on some initiatives.

If you live in MCHA housing or hold an MCHA voucher, the authority is your landlord or the entity that pays part of your rent to your actual landlord. If you are looking for housing information in Monroe County but do not currently have MCHA housing, you will likely need to contact MCHA directly to learn what programs have openings.

Key Takeaways

  • MCHA operates public housing buildings and voucher programs in Rochester and Monroe County, but it is not the only source of rental help in the region.
  • The agency's main office is in Rochester, and you can reach it by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and waitlist status.
  • MCHA housing and vouchers are income-restricted, meaning your household income must fall below a certain threshold set by federal guidelines.
  • Waitlists for MCHA housing and vouchers are often closed or have long delays, so it is worth checking the status before spending time on an process.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis now, local nonprofits and the city's emergency information programs may move faster than MCHA's standard process.

How to contact MCHA and what to ask

The Monroe County Housing Authority's main office is located in Rochester. You can call them during business hours to ask about current programs, waitlist status, and whether they are taking new applications. The phone number and office address are available through the MCHA website or by calling 211 (a free referral line that covers Rochester and Monroe County).

When you call, have ready: your household size, your current income (or a recent pay stub), and whether you are currently homeless, at risk of homelessness, or stably housed. MCHA staff can tell you in one call whether a program has openings or if you would be added to a waitlist. Many housing authorities have closed waitlists for months or years, so this first call saves you time.

If you cannot reach MCHA by phone or prefer to explore in person, you can visit the office during posted hours. Bring the same information listed above, plus a photo ID and proof of income. Some programs allow online applications or mail-in submissions, but MCHA will tell you which method applies to the program you are interested in.

Public housing and what it costs

MCHA owns and operates public housing buildings throughout Rochester. These are apartments where MCHA is the landlord. Rent in public housing is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with a minimum rent (usually $50 to $100 per month, depending on the building). You pay utilities separately unless they are included in your lease.

Public housing is income-restricted. To be considered, your household income must not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for Monroe County. That threshold changes each year and varies by household size. MCHA staff can tell you the current limit when you call.

Waitlists for public housing in Rochester have historically been closed or very long. If MCHA tells you the waitlist is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does. Some people are added to a waitlist even when it is officially closed if they are experiencing homelessness or a documented emergency.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

MCHA also administers Housing Choice Vouchers, sometimes called Section 8 vouchers. A voucher is a subsidy that MCHA pays directly to a private landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment (within certain rules), sign a lease with the landlord, and MCHA pays a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own income, usually 30 percent of your gross income.

To hold a voucher, your household income must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for Monroe County at the time you are selected from the waitlist. Once you have a voucher, your income can rise above that threshold and you can keep the voucher, but new applicants must meet the lower income limit.

The voucher waitlist in Rochester is often closed. When it is open, MCHA uses a lottery system to select applicants. The wait from selection to receiving an actual voucher can be several months. If the waitlist is closed, ask MCHA whether they expect to reopen it and whether you can request a notification.

Supportive housing and special programs

MCHA operates some supportive housing units for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. These programs combine affordable housing with on-site services such as case management, mental health support, or job training. may be able to access and rent rules differ from standard public housing.

To be considered for supportive housing, you typically must be referred by a homeless services provider, social worker, or outreach team. You cannot usually explore directly. If you are homeless or at risk, contact the Monroe County Department of Human Services or a local homeless services nonprofit such as Spiritus Christi or the Foodbank of Western New York (which runs housing programs). They can refer you to MCHA supportive housing if you meet the criteria.

What to do if MCHA waitlists are closed

If MCHA has no openings and waitlists are closed, other resources exist in Rochester and Monroe County. The city's Department of Neighborhood and Business Development administers emergency rental information and can help with back rent or upcoming rent if you meet income and hardship requirements. Call 311 (Rochester's main city line) to ask about current programs and whether funds are available.

Local nonprofits also offer housing search information, rental subsidies, and emergency help. Catholic Charities, Spiritus Christi, and the Urban League of Rochester all run housing programs. 211 can connect you to programs in your area and tell you which ones are currently taking new people.

If you are at when ready risk of eviction, contact a legal aid organization such as Community Justice Center or Volunteer Lawyers Project. They can help you understand your rights as a tenant and may be able to negotiate with your landlord or connect you to emergency funds faster than standard housing programs.

Understanding income limits and how they are calculated

MCHA programs use income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for Monroe County. These limits change every year, usually in April. For public housing, the limit is typically 80 percent of AMI. For Housing Choice Vouchers, new applicants must be at or below 50 percent of AMI.

Income is calculated as your household's gross monthly income before taxes. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular income. It does not include one-time payments or tax refunds. If your income is seasonal or variable, MCHA will average it over the past 12 months.

MCHA staff can tell you the current year's income limits when you call. You can also find them on the MCHA website or through the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. If your income is close to the limit, ask MCHA how they calculate it — sometimes deductions or exclusions explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get MCHA housing after I am selected from the waitlist?

The timeline varies. For public housing, it can be several months from selection to move-in, depending on unit availability and how quickly you complete the process process. For Housing Choice Vouchers, you may wait several months after selection before receiving the voucher, then another month or two to find an apartment and sign a lease. MCHA can give you a more specific estimate based on current conditions.

Can I explore to MCHA if I have an eviction on my record?

MCHA considers eviction history but does not automatically deny applications. The agency looks at the reason for the eviction and how long ago it occurred. If you have an older eviction and can show stable housing since then, you may still be considered. Call MCHA and ask about their specific policy, or bring documentation of the eviction when you explore so staff can review your situation.

What if I need housing right now and cannot wait for MCHA?

Contact the City of Rochester's emergency information programs by calling 311, or reach out to local nonprofits such as Catholic Charities or Spiritus Christi. These organizations sometimes have faster access to emergency funds or temporary housing. 211 can also connect you to shelters and crisis services if you are homeless tonight.

Do I have to live in Rochester to use MCHA housing?

MCHA serves Monroe County, not just Rochester. You can explore for MCHA housing if you live or work in Monroe County. Some programs prioritize people already living in the county or those with ties to the area. Ask MCHA whether your specific situation meets their residency requirements.

Can I keep my MCHA voucher if I move out of Monroe County?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be transferred to other housing authorities if you move, but this requires approval from both MCHA and the receiving authority. The process is not automatic and can take time. If you are planning to move, contact MCHA before you leave to understand your options.