What South Bend Housing Authority does

The South Bend Housing Authority (SBHA) is a public agency that owns and manages rental housing in South Bend, Indiana, and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for the area. It does not build or rent housing directly to everyone — it serves people who meet income limits and other requirements, and it operates a waiting list because demand exceeds available units and vouchers.

SBHA's main role is to make rental housing more affordable by either owning properties itself or giving vouchers that reduce what tenants pay to private landlords. The agency also handles lease enforcement, maintenance standards, and inspections for the properties and vouchers it oversees.

The South Bend Housing Authority office is located at 1926 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46613. You can reach them by phone at (574) 235-9621 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • South Bend Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers, but both have waiting lists that can be years long.
  • To be considered, your household income must fall below a set limit that changes yearly; limits are lower for public housing than for Section 8.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, pass a background check, and provide proof of income and residency.
  • The waiting list opens and closes at different times; you can call SBHA directly to learn whether the list is currently open for your program type.
  • Once you receive a voucher or are offered a unit, you will need to find a landlord willing to accept it, which can take weeks or months.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

SBHA owns and operates public housing units — actual apartments and homes that the agency owns and rents to tenants at reduced rates. These units are scattered throughout South Bend. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income, whichever is lower than the fair market rent for that unit.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The agency gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest. This gives you more choice in where you live, because you can use the voucher at any rental property whose landlord agrees to participate. The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the area's fair market rent.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists are typically longer because there are fewer units. Section 8 waiting lists also move slowly. When SBHA opens a waiting list, it closes again once a certain number of applications arrive, so you must explore during an open period.

Income limits and household requirements

Your household's gross income must not exceed a limit set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits change each year and vary by household size. For South Bend, limits are typically lower for public housing than for Section 8. You can call SBHA at (574) 235-9621 to ask what the current income limit is for your household size and program type.

SBHA counts income from all household members, including wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources. They subtract certain deductions — such as medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members — before comparing your income to the limit.

You must also be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor), a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and have a valid Social Security number. Household members cannot have been evicted from public housing in the past three years or have outstanding debt to a housing authority.

What documents you need to provide

When you explore or are called from the waiting list, SBHA will ask for documents that prove your identity, income, and residency. Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You will need recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement if you receive Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.

You will also need to show proof of residency in St. Joseph County — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. SBHA may ask for references from previous landlords or employers. If you have been evicted or have housing court cases, bring those documents too, as SBHA will review them as part of the background check.

Bring originals or certified copies. SBHA staff can tell you which documents they accept when you call to schedule an appointment or when you arrive to explore.

How the waiting list works and when it opens

SBHA maintains separate waiting lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers. When you are on the list, your position depends on the date you applied and sometimes on preferences — for example, if you are currently homeless or living in substandard housing, you may move up the list faster.

The waiting list is not always open. SBHA closes it when the number of applications reaches a certain level, then reopens it later as units or vouchers become available. You cannot know in advance when it will open or close. The only way to find out is to call SBHA directly at (574) 235-9621 and ask whether the list for your program type is currently open.

If the list is open, you can explore in person at the SBHA office or sometimes by mail. Ask SBHA which method they are accepting when you call. Once you explore, you will receive a confirmation letter with your process number and your position on the list.

Background checks and what can disqualify you

SBHA runs a criminal background check and a housing history check on all applicants. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs, violence, or sex offenses — may. SBHA also looks at whether you have been evicted, whether you owe money to a previous landlord or housing authority, and whether you have damaged a unit in the past.

If you have an eviction judgment against you or owe a housing authority money, you will likely be denied. If you have a criminal conviction, SBHA will consider how long ago it was, what the offense was, and whether you have shown rehabilitation. You have the right to dispute information in your background check if it is wrong.

You will also be denied if you do not meet income limits, cannot provide proof of legal residency status, or fail to show up for your appointment. If SBHA denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

What happens after you are offered a unit or voucher

When a unit or voucher becomes available and it is your turn on the waiting list, SBHA will contact you. If you are offered public housing, you will be shown available units and can choose from them. If you are offered a Section 8 voucher, you will receive the voucher and have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find a landlord who will accept it.

For Section 8, not all landlords participate in the program. You will need to search for properties, contact landlords, and negotiate a lease. Once you find a landlord willing to rent to you, SBHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection can take several weeks to schedule.

If you turn down a unit or voucher without good cause, or if you do not find a landlord within the time allowed, you may lose your place on the waiting list or your voucher. If you accept, you will sign a lease and move in. Your rent will be set at 30 percent of your income (or the full rent if it is lower), and you will pay that amount to the landlord or SBHA each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a unit or voucher from South Bend Housing Authority?

Wait times vary widely and depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Public housing waiting lists in South Bend can be several years long. Section 8 waiting lists are often shorter but still move slowly. Call SBHA to ask roughly how many people are ahead of you.

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

Yes. You can explore for both programs, and being on both lists increases your chances of being housed. However, once you are offered and accept a unit or voucher from one program, you will be removed from the other list.

What if I have a criminal record or have been evicted before?

SBHA will consider your background, but a record does not automatically disqualify you. They look at the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and whether you have shown rehabilitation. If you are denied, you can request a hearing to explain your situation. Being honest on your process is important; lying about your background will result in denial.

Do I have to stay in the unit or use the voucher in South Bend?

Public housing units must be in South Bend because SBHA owns them. Section 8 vouchers can sometimes be used in other areas if you move, but you must request a transfer and the receiving housing authority must have vouchers available. Contact SBHA before you plan to move.

What if I disagree with SBHA's decision to deny me or terminate my lease?

You have the right to request a hearing before an impartial officer. SBHA will send you a letter explaining how to request a hearing and the important date to do so. Bring documents and witnesses to support your case. The hearing officer will make a decision based on the evidence presented.