How the Terre Haute Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Terre Haute Housing Authority does

The Terre Haute Housing Authority (THA) is a local public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Terre Haute, Indiana. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other housing programs for low-income residents in Vigo County. The authority operates independently from the city government but works within federal guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The THA's main job is to own and maintain public housing properties and to distribute rental vouchers that help tenants afford private-market apartments. If you live in Terre Haute and need affordable housing, the THA is the local body that determines what programs exist, how long the waiting lists are, and what income limits explore in your area.

Key Takeaways

The Terre Haute Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income residents in Vigo County.
You must contact THA directly to learn current waiting list status, income limits, and which programs have openings.
Public housing and Section 8 vouchers have different rules, costs, and wait times — THA staff can explain which fits your situation.
The THA office is located in Terre Haute and handles all applications, lease questions, and maintenance requests for its properties.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The THA offers two main types of housing information. Public housing means THA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount, whichever is higher). You live in a property managed by THA staff, and they handle repairs and maintenance.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. The THA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private apartment or house you find yourself. You choose the landlord and the unit (within program rules), and the voucher pays the difference between your share and the full rent. You deal with your private landlord for repairs, not with THA.

Both programs have waiting lists, and both have income limits. Public housing waiting lists are often longer, but vouchers may have stricter rules about which neighborhoods or unit types may have access to. Contact THA directly to learn which program has an opening and what the current wait time is.

How to contact the Terre Haute Housing Authority

The THA office is located at 1524 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. You can reach them by phone at (812) 232-0491 during business hours. This is the number to call if you want to ask about current waiting lists, income limits, or whether programs are accepting new residents.

You can also visit the office in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face. If you are already a THA resident, this is also where you report maintenance issues or ask about lease questions. Some housing authorities have websites with additional information — check whether THA has an online portal for current residents or applicants.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and Section 8 have income limits that change each year. These limits depend on your household size and are set by HUD based on the median income in Vigo County. If your household income is above the limit, you will not be able to enter the program. If your income is below the limit, you may be on a waiting list.

For public housing, your monthly rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, or a minimum rent set by THA — whichever is higher. Adjusted income means your gross income minus certain deductions (such as child care costs or medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members). The THA will explain how your specific income is calculated when you explore.

For Section 8, the voucher amount is based on the fair market rent for your area and your income. You pay your share (usually 30 percent of income), and the voucher covers the rest, up to the maximum the program allows for your unit size.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have waiting lists in Terre Haute. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. Some waiting lists are closed when they get too long, meaning THA stops taking new applications until space opens up.

You can call THA to ask whether the waiting list for the program you want is open or closed. If it is open, ask how long the current wait is — this changes over time. Some people wait months; others wait years. There is no way to jump the line, but THA may give priority to people with certain circumstances (such as homelessness or a disability).

Once your name reaches the top of the list and a unit or voucher becomes available, THA will contact you. You will then have a set amount of time to complete your process and move in. If you do not respond, you may lose your spot.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, THA will assign you a unit based on availability and your household size. You sign a lease with THA, and your rent is set at 30 percent of your income. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and reporting maintenance problems. THA is responsible for repairs to the building structure, plumbing, electrical, and appliances.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a private apartment that meets program standards. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass a THA inspection. Once you move in, you pay your share of rent to the landlord each month, and the voucher payment goes directly to the landlord. You stay in the unit as long as you follow your lease and the landlord does not evict you.

In both cases, your income will be recertified each year. If your income goes up, your rent may increase. If your income goes down, your rent may decrease.

Rules and lease requirements

THA residents must follow the lease and house rules. These typically include keeping the unit in good condition, paying rent on time, not engaging in criminal activity, and not disturbing other residents. Violations can result in warnings, fines, or eviction.

For Section 8 voucher holders, the rules are similar but enforced by your private landlord and THA together. You must use the voucher only for the unit it was issued for, and you cannot sublet or let someone else live in the unit without permission. If you move, you must notify THA and find a new unit within the time allowed.

Both programs have rules about who can live in your unit. Generally, only people listed on your lease can reside there. If someone moves in without permission, it can be grounds for lease termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money for THA programs?

Income limits change each year and depend on your household size. Call THA at (812) 232-0491 and tell them how many people are in your household and your gross monthly or annual income. They will tell you whether you are within the limit for public housing, Section 8, or both.

Can I choose which unit I get in public housing?

No. THA assigns units based on availability and your household size. You can request a specific property or neighborhood, but THA makes the final decision. With Section 8, you choose the unit yourself, but it must meet program standards and the landlord must accept the voucher.

What if I need a repair in my THA apartment?

Contact the THA maintenance office or call the main number at (812) 232-0491 to report the problem. Describe what is broken and when you first noticed it. THA will schedule a time to fix it. For emergencies (no heat, no water, safety hazards), call when ready and ask about emergency procedures.

Can I own a car or have savings and still be in THA housing?

Yes. THA does not restrict car ownership. Savings and assets are counted differently depending on the program, but having money in the bank does not automatically disqualify you. Ask THA how assets affect your income calculation when you explore.

What happens if I get a job and my income goes up?

Your rent will increase at your next annual recertification. THA will recalculate your rent at 30 percent of your new income. You can stay in the program as long as you are below the income limit. If your income exceeds the limit, you may have to move out, but THA usually gives you time to find new housing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.