What the Scranton Housing Authority Does

The Scranton Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It does not provide emergency rental money or one-time grants. Instead, it manages two long-term housing programs: public housing apartments that SHA owns directly, and Section 8 vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the program pays part of your rent.

SHA is a separate entity from the City of Scranton government, though it receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you want to live in SHA housing or get a Section 8 voucher, you explore directly to SHA, not to the city or to HUD.

Key Takeaways

  • Scranton Housing Authority runs two programs: public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers, both for low-income households.
  • You must meet income limits set by HUD each year; these change annually and vary based on household size.
  • Both programs have waiting lists that can be years long, and SHA may close the list when it reaches capacity.
  • Section 8 vouchers let you choose your own rental unit, while public housing means you live in an SHA-owned building.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check for either program.

Public Housing Through Scranton Housing Authority

SHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Scranton. When you live in public housing, SHA is your landlord. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though SHA calculates this using their own formula. The rest of the rent comes from federal funding.

Public housing units are scattered across the city in various developments. SHA maintains the buildings and handles repairs. You sign a lease with SHA and follow their lease terms, which include rules about occupancy, maintenance, and guest policies.

The waiting list for public housing in Scranton is typically several years long. SHA prioritizes applicants based on their preferences system, which may include factors like homelessness, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50 percent of income toward rent. You can contact SHA directly to ask where you stand on the list.

Section 8 Vouchers and How They Work

Section 8 is a federal program that gives you a voucher to use at any rental property in Scranton that meets program standards. You find your own apartment, and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket.

The amount the voucher covers depends on the fair market rent for your area and your household size. SHA publishes these amounts each year. 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 yourself — though the landlord must accept the voucher payment as part of the rent.

Not every landlord accepts Section 8 vouchers. The landlord must agree to participate, and the unit must pass an SHA inspection for health and safety standards. SHA staff inspect the apartment before you move in and periodically afterward.

The Section 8 waiting list in Scranton is also long and may be closed. When it is open, SHA accepts applications for a set period. Once you are on the list, you wait until your name is called. The wait can be several years.

Income Limits and Who Can explore

Both public housing and Section 8 are limited to households earning below a certain income. HUD sets these limits each year based on the area median income. For Scranton, the income limit varies by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. SHA will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If any household member is not a citizen, you will need to provide their immigration status documentation.

You cannot have certain criminal convictions or a history of drug-related activity. SHA conducts a background check as part of the process. You also cannot owe money to SHA or another housing authority, and you cannot have been evicted from public housing in the past.

how the process works and What Documents You Need

To explore for either public housing or Section 8, you visit the Scranton Housing Authority office in person or call to ask about the current process process. SHA's office is located at 1002 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. The phone number is (570) 348-0385.

Bring or prepare these documents before you explore: a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

SHA will also ask about your current housing situation, your household composition, and any special needs. Be prepared to answer questions about whether you are currently homeless, living with family, or in substandard housing.

After you submit your process, SHA will verify your information and conduct a background check. This process typically takes several weeks. SHA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you have been added to the waiting list.

Waiting Lists and Timeline to Housing

Both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in Scranton are long. The exact wait time depends on your priority status and how many people are ahead of you. Some applicants wait two to five years or longer before being offered housing.

SHA may close either waiting list when it reaches a certain size. You can call SHA to ask whether the list is currently open for applications. If it is closed, ask when it may reopen — SHA typically reopens lists periodically, though there is no set schedule.

Once your name is called from the waiting list, you have a limited time to respond and complete the next steps. For Section 8, this means finding an apartment and having it inspected. For public housing, it means viewing available units and signing a lease. If you do not respond within the timeframe SHA gives you, you may lose your place on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. However, once you are offered housing through one program, you typically must accept it or be removed from both lists. Contact SHA to confirm their policy on this.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Call SHA at (570) 348-0385 and ask when the list will reopen. Lists typically reopen once a year or when space becomes available. You can also ask to be notified when applications are accepted again.

Do I have to pay a deposit to explore?

No. SHA does not charge an process fee. However, if you are offered public housing, you will need to pay a security deposit before you move in, similar to a private rental.

What happens if my income increases after I move into SHA housing?

SHA recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program or your rent may increase. For Section 8, your voucher may be reduced or terminated. Contact SHA to discuss your specific situation.

Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Scranton?

Section 8 vouchers are tied to the local housing authority that issued them. If you move to another city, you would need to contact that area's housing authority about portability options. SHA can explain the process if you are planning to relocate.