Waterloo Housing Authority
Waterloo, Iowa
Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Waterloo Housing Authority
Waterloo Housing Authority (PHA Code: IA050) serves Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa. The authority manages approximately 1,141 assisted housing units, which include 1,091 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 50 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Public Housing program is open for applications. Programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), and HUD-VASH are closed at this time. Applicants should note that program statuses can change; the Public Housing program recently transitioned from open to closed and then back to open.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $46,000 per year, applicable to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. Potential applicants should verify current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly with the housing authority.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Public Housing waiting list is open for senior/disabled households, specifically for Ridgeway Towers Apartments, designated for those 62 and older, though individuals over 55 may be eligible. Applicants need Social Security numbers and photo IDs for all adult household members.
Other Programs
6 programsThese 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.
The waiting list for the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative closed effective January 24, 2026, along with the Housing Choice Voucher Program and HUD-VASH program.
The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program was closed effective immediately in January 2026 due to funding limitations. When previously open, preferences included the Fostering Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI).
The waiting list for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program closed effective January 24, 2026, along with the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Foster Youth to Independence Initiative.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Waterloo Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Waterloo Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Waterloo Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Waterloo Housing Authority, 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 $46,000/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Waterloo Housing Authority 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Waterloo Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Waterloo Housing Authority manages approximately 1,141 assisted housing units (1,091 Section 8, 50 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Waterloo. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Waterloo Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Waterloo Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Waterloo Housing Authority manages approximately 50 Public Housing units in Waterloo. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Foster Youth to Independence closed
The Foster Youth to Independence program at Waterloo Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Waterloo. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Waterloo Housing Authority 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 Waterloo. This program serves approximately 1,091 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed
The HUD-VASH program at Waterloo Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Waterloo. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Waterloo Housing Authority 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 Waterloo Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Waterloo. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Waterloo Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Waterloo maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Waterloo Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Waterloo Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Waterloo Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Waterloo Housing Authority?
Waterloo Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Waterloo Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,000. 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 | $19,350 | $32,200 | $51,550 |
| 2 Persons | $22,100 | $36,800 | $58,900 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,400 | $66,250 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,000 | $73,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,400 | $85,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,050 | $91,300 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Waterloo Housing Authority — including across state lines.