What the Racine County Housing Authority does

The Racine County Housing Authority (RCHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Racine County, Wisconsin. It administers public housing — apartments it owns and operates — and the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. The Authority does not build or own all the housing stock in the county; it leases units from private landlords and subsidizes rent for people who meet income limits.

RCHA's main office is located in Racine, and it serves residents across the county. The agency's role is to determine who is may be able to access for its programs based on household income and family size, maintain the properties or voucher contracts, and handle rent payments and lease enforcement. If you are looking for affordable housing in Racine County, RCHA is the body that runs the waiting lists and processes requests.

Key Takeaways

  • RCHA manages public housing units it owns and the Section 8 voucher program, which lets you rent from a private landlord with a subsidy.
  • Both programs have waiting lists; public housing waitlists are often closed, while Section 8 waitlists open and close depending on funding.
  • You must meet income limits based on your household size, and RCHA will verify your income and background before approval.
  • Contact RCHA directly by phone or in person to learn the current status of waitlists and what documents you need to bring.
  • Once housed, you pay a portion of rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and RCHA or the voucher covers the rest.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

RCHA operates two different programs, and they work in different ways. Public housing means RCHA owns the building and you are a tenant of the Authority. You live in an apartment that RCHA maintains, and RCHA collects your portion of the rent. Section 8 vouchers mean RCHA gives you a subsidy to use with a private landlord of your choice. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and RCHA pays the landlord the difference between your portion and the market rent.

Public housing is often easier to understand because there is one landlord (RCHA) and one lease. Section 8 gives you more choice in where you live, but you have to find a landlord willing to participate in the program. Both programs require you to pay roughly 30 percent of your household income toward rent, though the exact amount depends on your income and family size. RCHA will calculate your rent share once you are approved.

Income limits and who can be housed

RCHA programs are for households with low to very low incomes. The income limits change each year and depend on your household size. For example, a single person's income limit is lower than a family of four's. RCHA uses the federal poverty guidelines and area median income to set these limits, so they vary from year to year.

You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. RCHA also runs a background check, which typically includes a criminal history search and a check of your rental history. Having a criminal record or past evictions does not automatically disqualify you, but RCHA will review the details. Contact RCHA directly to ask about the current income limits for your household size and what documents to bring.

How to get on the waiting list

To be considered for RCHA housing, you must be added to a waiting list. The process starts by contacting RCHA in person or by phone. You will need to provide basic information about your household — names, ages, income, and current address — and RCHA will tell you whether the list is open and what documents to bring.

Waiting lists are not always open. Public housing waiting lists are frequently closed because demand far exceeds available units. Section 8 waiting lists also close when the program reaches capacity, though they may reopen later when funding becomes available. RCHA staff can tell you the current status of each list and, if it is closed, whether there is an expected reopening date. Some people choose to be on both lists if both are open, since they offer different benefits.

What happens after you are approved

Once RCHA approves you, the next step depends on which program you are in. For public housing, RCHA will contact you when a unit becomes available that matches your household size. You will sign a lease with RCHA and move in. For Section 8, you will receive a voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and an apartment that meets program standards. The landlord must agree to participate, and the unit must pass an inspection.

In both cases, you will pay your portion of rent to RCHA (public housing) or to the landlord (Section 8), and RCHA pays the rest. Your rent portion is recalculated each year based on your current income. If your income changes significantly, you must report it to RCHA so your rent can be adjusted.

Common reasons RCHA denies housing

RCHA may deny you housing if your income is above the limit, if your background check reveals serious criminal activity or a pattern of evictions, or if you cannot provide proof of income and identity. Some people are denied because they do not show up for required appointments or do not provide documents RCHA requests. If you are denied, RCHA must give you a written reason and information about how to appeal the decision.

An appeal means you can request a hearing to challenge RCHA's decision. You will have a chance to present your side of the story and provide additional documents or explanation. The appeal process takes several weeks, and you should contact RCHA to ask for the specific steps and important date in Racine County.

Contacting Racine County Housing Authority

RCHA's main office is in Racine. You can reach them by phone during business hours, or you can visit in person to explore for the waiting list. The office staff can answer questions about current waitlist status, income limits, required documents, and the programs themselves. If you do not have the phone number or address, you can search online for "Racine County Housing Authority" or call 211 Wisconsin, which is a referral service that can provide contact information for local housing programs.

When you contact RCHA, have your household information ready — names and ages of all household members, current income, and your current address. Ask specifically whether the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists are open, what documents you need to bring, and when you can come in to explore. If you are currently homeless or in crisis, mention that when you call, as some programs prioritize urgent situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for RCHA housing?

Wait times vary widely depending on the program and how many units are available. Public housing waiting lists can be years long, while Section 8 wait times depend on funding and turnover. RCHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. Some people wait months; others wait several years.

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

Yes, if both lists are open, you can be on both. Some people prefer public housing because the rent is stable and RCHA handles maintenance. Others prefer Section 8 because they can choose where to live. Being on both lists increases your chances of being housed sooner.

What if my income increases after I am approved?

You must report income changes to RCHA. Your rent portion will be recalculated, and you may pay more. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program, though RCHA usually gives you time to transition. Always report changes promptly to avoid problems later.

Does RCHA accept people with eviction records?

RCHA reviews each case individually. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but RCHA will look at the reason, how long ago it happened, and your rental history since then. If you have an eviction, be honest about it when you explore and explain the circumstances if possible.

What if the waiting list is closed?

If RCHA's waiting lists are closed, ask when they expect to reopen. You can also explore other affordable housing options in Racine County, such as rental information programs, nonprofit housing organizations, or private landlords who accept housing vouchers from other programs. Call 211 Wisconsin for a list of other resources in your area.