What the Columbia Housing Authority Does

The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Richland County, South Carolina. It does not provide emergency rental information, homelessness prevention funds, or down payment help — those come from other city and county programs. CHA's job is to own and manage public housing buildings and to distribute Section 8 vouchers to people who meet income limits.

CHA serves renters whose household income falls below 80 percent of the area median income. The exact income limit depends on household size and changes each year. For a single person in the Columbia area, the limit is typically around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, but you should confirm the current figure by calling CHA directly or checking their website, because these numbers shift.

The agency is located in downtown Columbia and operates a waiting list for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Both lists are usually closed — meaning CHA is not taking new names — because demand far exceeds available units. When a list opens, it typically stays open for a short window, sometimes only a few weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Columbia Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers in Richland County, but does not provide emergency rental help or other information programs.
  • You must have a household income below 80 percent of area median income to be considered, with exact limits varying by household size and year.
  • Both the public housing and Section 8 waiting lists are usually closed because demand is much higher than available units.
  • When a waiting list opens, CHA announces it on their website and through local media, and the window to explore is often only a few weeks.
  • You will need proof of income, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a valid ID to complete an process.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers

CHA owns and manages public housing buildings — actual apartments that the agency owns. When you live in public housing, CHA is your landlord. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. The buildings are scattered throughout Columbia and Richland County, and CHA maintains them.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. You find your own apartment on the private rental market, and the voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket. The voucher amount is set by CHA based on the size of your household and the neighborhood where you rent. You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules.

Both programs have waiting lists, and both lists are typically closed. If you are interested in either one, contact CHA to ask when the next opening might occur and whether you can request notification when it opens.

How to Contact Columbia Housing Authority

Columbia Housing Authority is located at 1231 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Their main phone number is (803) 733-1381. You can also visit their office in person during business hours to ask about waiting list status, income limits, or required documents.

CHA's website has information about current programs, waiting list openings, and the documents you will need to bring if you explore. Call ahead before visiting in person, because office hours and availability can change.

If you are experiencing a housing crisis right now — such as an eviction notice or homelessness — CHA is not the right resource. Contact your local 211 service (dial 211 from any phone) or the Richland County Department of Social Services for emergency rental help, temporary shelter, or other crisis information.

What Documents You Will Need

When a waiting list opens and you are ready to explore, CHA will ask for specific documents. Standard requirements include a photo ID for the head of household, Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, and proof of current income such as recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

If you are unemployed, you will need documentation of that status, such as a letter from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. If you receive benefits — SNAP, TANF, SSI, or other programs — bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

You will also need to provide information about your housing history, including your current address and previous addresses for the past two years. CHA may contact previous landlords to verify your rental history and whether you paid rent on time.

Income Limits and How They Are Calculated

CHA uses gross household income to determine whether you meet the program limit. Gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, unemployment benefits, and most other sources of money coming into the household. It does not include one-time payments such as tax refunds or gifts.

The income limit for public housing and Section 8 is 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Richland County. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four. CHA calculates your household size based on the people who will live in the unit with you, including children.

Income limits change each year, usually in April. If you were over the limit last year, you may be under it this year, or vice versa. When you call CHA or visit their office, ask for the current income limits for your household size.

What Happens After You explore

Once you submit an process, CHA will verify the information you provided. This includes contacting your employer, checking your income documents, and reviewing your rental history. The verification process typically takes several weeks.

If CHA determines that you meet income and other requirements, you will be placed on the waiting list in the order your process was received. Because waiting lists are usually closed and very long, you may wait months or years before a unit or voucher becomes available.

CHA will contact you when a unit or voucher is about to become available. At that point, you will need to complete additional paperwork and may be required to attend an orientation. If you do not respond to CHA's contact within the timeframe they give you, you may lose your place on the list.

Other Housing Resources in Columbia and Richland County

If you need help now and cannot wait for a CHA waiting list to open, other programs may be available. The City of Columbia and Richland County both administer emergency rental information for people behind on rent. The Richland County Department of Social Services can connect you to temporary shelter, transitional housing, or other crisis support.

Nonprofit organizations such as the Midlands Housing Alliance and local community action agencies also offer housing counseling, down payment help for homebuyers, and information about other information programs. Calling 211 will connect you to a local specialist who can tell you which programs are currently open and whether you meet the requirements.

If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs has housing programs separate from CHA. If you are experiencing homelessness or at risk of it, contact the Richland County Continuum of Care for emergency shelter and supportive housing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can be on both. Some people prefer public housing because rent is always 30 percent of income, while others prefer Section 8 because they choose their own apartment. You can explore to both and see which one has an opening first.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am approved?

CHA will recertify your income once a year. If your income rises above 80 percent of area median income, you will be given a grace period — usually one year — to bring your income back down. After that, you may be required to leave the program. However, some households can stay if their income rise is due to a household member getting a job for the first time.

How long does it usually take to get a unit or voucher?

There is no set timeline because it depends on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list and how quickly units or vouchers become available. Some people wait six months; others wait several years. CHA can tell you the approximate wait time when you explore, based on how many names are on the list.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

CHA will review your rental history, including any evictions. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but CHA will look at the reason and how long ago it happened. If you can explain the circumstances and show that you have paid rent on time since then, you may still be considered.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

CHA requires that the head of household be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Other household members must also meet citizenship or immigration requirements. Call CHA to discuss your specific situation, as rules vary depending on your status.