About Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama (PHA Code: AL001), manages approximately 10,751 assisted housing units. These comprise 6,438 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 4,313 Public Housing units.

HABD operates various housing programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Single Room Occupancy (SRO), and VASH programs. All of HABD's waiting lists are currently closed. This includes recent changes for the VASH and SRO programs, which are now closed.

For a family of four in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit for eligibility is $47,950 per year.

Other Programs

9 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Interested participants can get started by visiting HABD.org/portals to register and join the waiting list when it opens. For questions or concerns on applications, waitlist, inspections, etc., contact the Housing Choice Voucher call center at (205) 974-4440.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

For families including a non-elderly, disabled household member; preferences for non-elderly, disabled households.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

All announced Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list openings for properties like Southtown Family (Avery At Southtown) and Southtown Senior Apartments occurred in the past, with no new future openings announced as of April 7, 2026.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The waiting list for one and two-bedroom public housing units was last open from December 10, 2023, to December 22, 2023, with no new openings announced since.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

HABD previously accepted applications for a project-based waiting list, Southtown Family, which is a RAD property.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO
Closed

Those interested in the SRO program should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program
Closed

Partnered with the Alabama Regional Medical Center to assist homeless individuals. Interested individuals should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Closed

Veterans interested in the HUD-VASH Program must be registered for VA services. Contact Cortney Rankins at (205) 936-1365 for a HUD-VASH screening.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO Program
Pending

This Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program is partnered with the Alabama Regional Medical Center. Interested individuals should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

VASH Closed Mar 20, 2026
SRO Closed Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 20, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 16, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 16, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
VASH Opened Feb 26, 2026
SRO Opened Feb 26, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 26, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 20, 2026
SRO unknown Feb 19, 2026
PBV unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 19, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the Birmingham District portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1826 3rd Ave S
City Birmingham, AL 35233
PHA Code AL001
Section 8 Units 6,438
Public Housing Units 4,313

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

1

Check Current Status

All 8 waiting lists at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $47,950/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the Birmingham District portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District manages approximately 10,751 assisted housing units (6,438 Section 8, 4,313 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Birmingham. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Birmingham. This program serves approximately 6,438 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Birmingham. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District manages approximately 4,313 Public Housing units in Birmingham. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Birmingham maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

SRO closed

The SRO program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program closed

The SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Birmingham. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

SRO Program closed

The SRO Program program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District administers 9 programs (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, SRO, SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program, VASH, SRO Program) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1826 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District depend on demand in Birmingham, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 10,751 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 20, 2026 when the VASH list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the Birmingham District directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, including Tarrant Housing Authority (4 mi), Fairfield Housing Authority (7 mi), Jefferson County Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Alabama and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Alabama.
How do I contact Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
You can reach Housing Authority of the Birmingham District by phone at (205) 521-0679. Their office is located at 1826 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233. You can also email them at dfoster@habd.net. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $95,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $47,950. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,950. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $20,150 $33,600 $53,700
2 Persons $23,000 $38,400 $61,400
3 Persons $26,650 $43,200 $69,050
4 Persons $32,150 $47,950 $76,700
5 Persons $37,650 $51,800 $82,850
6 Persons $43,150 $55,650 $89,000
7 Persons $48,650 $59,500 $95,150
8 Persons $54,150 $63,300 $101,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $95,900 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.