What the Santa Ana Housing Authority does

The Santa Ana Housing Authority (SAHA) is a public agency that owns and manages affordable rental housing in Santa Ana, California. It administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which subsidizes rent for low-income households, and it owns and operates public housing developments directly. SAHA does not process applications for people outside Santa Ana, and it does not serve all of Orange County — only the city limits.

The agency's main role is to reduce the gap between what tenants can afford and what landlords charge. It does this by paying a portion of rent directly to landlords on behalf of tenants, or by owning buildings where rent is set below market rate. SAHA is governed by a Board of Commissioners and funded through federal housing grants, tenant rent contributions, and local revenue.

Key Takeaways

  • SAHA runs the Section 8 voucher program in Santa Ana and owns public housing; you must live in Santa Ana city limits to use either program.
  • Section 8 vouchers pay a portion of your rent to a private landlord; public housing means SAHA is your landlord and sets the rent based on your income.
  • Both programs have long waiting lists; SAHA opens its Section 8 list periodically and closes it when the list reaches capacity.
  • You can contact SAHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to learn about current openings and what documents you will need.
  • SAHA also runs supportive services programs for residents, including job training, youth programs, and community development initiatives.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through SAHA

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that allows you to rent from a private landlord while SAHA pays part of your rent. You pay the difference between the subsidy amount and the actual rent — typically 30 percent of your household income. The voucher is portable within Santa Ana, meaning you can choose any landlord who accepts Section 8, as long as the rent is within the program's payment standard for your area and unit size.

SAHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens and closes depending on funding and demand. When the list is open, you can request to be added; when it is closed, new requests are not accepted. The wait time from joining the list to receiving a voucher can be several years. SAHA prioritizes certain groups — such as people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children — but the exact order depends on the current waiting list policy.

To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to participate in the program. Not all landlords accept Section 8. Once you have a lease, SAHA inspects the unit to may support it meets housing quality standards, then signs a contract with the landlord. If the landlord refuses to rent to you because you have a voucher, that is illegal under California law, though enforcement can be slow.

Public housing owned and operated by SAHA

SAHA owns several public housing developments within Santa Ana where the agency itself is the landlord. Rent in these buildings is set at 30 percent of your household income, regardless of market rates. Public housing is separate from Section 8; you explore to SAHA for a specific development, not for a voucher you can use anywhere.

Public housing developments have their own waiting lists. Like Section 8, these lists open and close. The wait time and priority rules vary by development. SAHA maintains these properties and is responsible for repairs and maintenance — you do not negotiate directly with a private owner.

Income limits and who can explore

SAHA serves households at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Orange County. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes annually. For example, in 2024, the limit for a single person was roughly $60,000 per year, but this figure changes each year and varies by family size. You must verify the current limit with SAHA directly, as these numbers are updated regularly.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to participate in either Section 8 or public housing. SAHA will ask for proof of identity, income, and residency. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, you may still be considered, but SAHA has the right to deny admission based on certain factors — the agency publishes its admissions policy, which you can request.

How to contact SAHA and explore

The Santa Ana Housing Authority's main office is located at 1801 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706. You can reach them by phone at (714) 558-5600 during business hours. SAHA also accepts mail and in-person visits. The agency's website includes information about current waiting list openings and the documents you will need to bring.

When you contact SAHA, ask whether the Section 8 waiting list or public housing waiting lists are currently open. If a list is open, ask what documents you need to bring — typically proof of income, identity, residency, and household composition. If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. SAHA staff can tell you the current wait time based on your priority status.

You do not explore online through a state or federal portal; you explore directly to SAHA. The agency will give you an process form and tell you where to submit it. Processing time varies, but SAHA will notify you of the outcome in writing.

Supportive services and other SAHA programs

Beyond housing, SAHA runs programs for residents and the broader Santa Ana community. These include job training and placement services, youth programs, after-school activities, and community development initiatives. Some programs are available only to SAHA residents; others are open to the public. Contact SAHA to learn which programs are currently running and whether you are may be able to access.

SAHA also partners with local nonprofits and government agencies to provide services like mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and case management. If you are a SAHA resident and need these services, ask your property manager or call the main office for a referral.

What to do if you are denied or placed on a waiting list

If SAHA denies your process, the agency must provide a written reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, ineligible immigration status, or a criminal history that disqualifies you under the agency's policy. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. SAHA will explain the hearing process in the denial letter.

If you are placed on a waiting list, your position depends on when you applied and your priority status. SAHA will send you a letter confirming your place on the list. Keep this letter and any case number SAHA gives you. If your circumstances change — such as your income or household size — tell SAHA when ready, as this may affect your priority or may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SAHA serve people outside Santa Ana?

No. SAHA only serves households living within Santa Ana city limits. If you live in another Orange County city, you will need to contact that city's housing authority or a regional housing program. Some cities share a housing authority, so check with your city's planning or community development department.

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers?

Wait times vary and change as funding and demand shift. SAHA can tell you the current wait time when you call or visit. In some years, the wait is several years; in others, the list may be closed entirely. Ask SAHA when the list is expected to reopen if it is currently closed.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher from another housing authority in Santa Ana?

If you already have a voucher from a different housing authority, you may be able to transfer it to SAHA through a process called "portability." Contact SAHA and your current housing authority to learn whether this is possible and what paperwork is required.

What happens if my landlord refuses to accept Section 8?

Refusing to rent to someone because they have a Section 8 voucher is illegal under California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) rules. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). SAHA can also provide guidance on how to report the violation.

Is there a fee to explore to SAHA?

No. SAHA does not charge a fee to explore for Section 8 or public housing. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge a fee to help you explore — that is a scam. SAHA staff will help you for free.