What Winnebago County Housing Authority does

Winnebago County Housing Authority (WCHA) administers public housing and rental information programs in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. The agency owns and manages public housing units, runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles emergency rental information. WCHA is the local body that determines who can move into public housing and how much rent you pay based on your income.

The authority serves residents across the county, though the main office is in Oshkosh. If you live in Winnebago County and need affordable housing or rental help, WCHA is the agency that holds the waiting lists and processes your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • Winnebago County Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers in the county, and you must contact them directly to get on a waiting list.
  • The main office is located in Oshkosh, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person to ask about current openings and waiting list status.
  • Rent in public housing is typically 30 percent of your household income, and WCHA recalculates it annually based on what you report.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers can be closed or open depending on demand, so call before you visit to confirm the current status.
  • WCHA also manages emergency rental information funds when they are available, though these programs run out of money and reopen on a schedule set by the county.

How to contact Winnebago County Housing Authority

The main office address is 400 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901. You can call them during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current programs, and what documents you need to bring. The phone number and office hours are listed on the county website under housing services.

You can also visit in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face. If you cannot reach someone by phone, a visit to the office is often faster than waiting for a callback. Bring your ID and any documents related to your housing situation so staff can answer your questions on the spot.

Some information about programs and waiting list status is posted online through the county website, but the most current details come directly from WCHA staff. Do not assume a program is closed based on old information — call to confirm before you decide not to pursue it.

Public housing waiting lists and how they work

WCHA maintains a waiting list for public housing units. When you contact the authority, ask whether the list is currently open. If it is open, you can request an process. If it is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back to check.

The waiting list is usually ordered by date of process, though some preferences explore — for example, people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities may move up the list. WCHA will explain the current preference system when you call. Waiting times vary widely depending on the size of unit you need and how many people are ahead of you.

Once you are on the list, WCHA will contact you when a unit becomes available. You will need to complete an income verification interview and provide proof of income, residency, and background information. The authority uses this information to determine your rent, which is set at 30 percent of your household income.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program

WCHA also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. This program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent when you rent from a private landlord who agrees to participate. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

Like public housing, Section 8 has a waiting list that may be open or closed. Call WCHA to find out the current status. If the list is open, you can explore. If it is closed, ask how often it reopens — some years it may open for a few weeks, then close again.

The voucher amount depends on the size of unit you need and the local rent market. WCHA will tell you the maximum rent they will cover for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or larger unit. You are responsible for finding a landlord willing to rent to you and accept the voucher, and the landlord must pass a WCHA inspection before you can move in.

Income limits and rent calculations

To move into public housing or receive a Section 8 voucher, your household income must fall below a certain level set by WCHA based on federal guidelines. Income limits vary by household size and change each year. Call the authority to learn the current limits for your situation.

Once you are in public housing, your rent is recalculated every year based on the income you report. If your income goes down, your rent goes down. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. You must report changes in income, household size, or employment to WCHA so your rent stays correct.

WCHA counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other sources. Some income is excluded — for example, income from a child under 18 or certain types of information. Ask WCHA which types of income they count when you explore.

Emergency rental information through WCHA

When emergency rental information funds are available, WCHA administers them for Winnebago County residents. These programs pay landlords directly to cover rent you already owe or help prevent eviction. The funds are limited and often run out before the end of the year.

To learn whether emergency rental information is currently available, call WCHA and ask. If a program is open, you will need to provide proof of income, a signed lease, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind. WCHA will tell you exactly what documents to bring.

Processing time for emergency rental information is usually two to six weeks. If you have an eviction notice, tell WCHA the court date when you call — many programs prioritize cases with active court dates. Ask the authority whether they can contact the court on your behalf to request a delay while your case is being reviewed.

What to bring when you visit or call

Have your photo ID ready when you contact WCHA. If you are calling about a specific program, also have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number available so staff can look up your information quickly.

If you are visiting in person to explore for public housing or Section 8, bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and identification. If you are explore for emergency rental information, also bring your signed lease and documentation of the hardship — for example, a notice of eviction, a letter from your employer about job loss, or medical bills.

WCHA staff can tell you what specific documents they need for your situation. If you do not have something, ask whether they can accept an alternative or whether you can provide it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a Section 8 voucher?

Waiting times depend on how many people are ahead of you on the list and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. Call WCHA and ask for an estimate based on your household size and current list position. They can also tell you whether the list is moving quickly or slowly.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

WCHA will review your background as part of the process process. Some criminal convictions and evictions can disqualify you, but not all. Call and ask WCHA directly about your specific situation — staff can often tell you whether you will be disqualified before you spend time on a full process.

Can I move to a different unit if my household size changes?

Yes. If your household grows or shrinks, tell WCHA. They will reassess your unit size and may move you to a different public housing unit or adjust your Section 8 voucher amount. Report changes as soon as they happen so your rent and housing match your actual household.

What happens if I do not report a change in income?

WCHA may discover unreported income during a recertification interview or through a background check. If you owe back rent because you did not report income, you will be asked to pay it. Repeated failures to report can result in eviction from public housing or loss of your Section 8 voucher.

Is there a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8?

No. WCHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or Section 8 vouchers. If someone claims you must pay to explore, that is a scam. Contact WCHA directly to report it and to confirm the real process process.