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About Housing Authority of Lake Charles
The Housing Authority of Lake Charles (HALC), located in Lake Charles, Calcasieu County, Louisiana (PHA Code: LA004), provides critical housing assistance to its community. HALC manages approximately 2,946 assisted housing units, comprising 2,440 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 506 Public Housing units, helping eligible individuals and families secure stable housing.
HALC administers assistance through its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing program, and may also offer Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Currently, all waiting lists for these programs, including HCV, PBV, and Public Housing, are closed to new applications. For context, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area is $43,100 per year, which serves as a general eligibility guideline.
As all waiting lists are presently closed, the Housing Authority of Lake Charles is not accepting new applications at this time. Prospective applicants should monitor official announcements directly from HALC for any future changes to waitlist status or announcements regarding new application periods.
Other Programs
3 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.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) provide rental assistance that tenants can use in the private market. The voucher covers a portion of rent, with tenants typically paying 30% of their adjusted gross income. Participants can choose any housing that meets program requirements.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
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.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Housing Authority of Lake Charles directly at (337) 426-8981 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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 Housing Authority of Lake Charles
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at Housing Authority of Lake Charles 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.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of Lake Charles, 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 $43,100/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
Contact Housing Authority of Lake Charles directly at (337) 426-8981 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of Lake Charles, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of Lake Charles manages approximately 2,946 assisted housing units (2,440 Section 8, 506 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lake Charles. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of Lake Charles
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles. This program serves approximately 2,440 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of Lake Charles are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of Lake Charles manages approximately 506 Public Housing units in Lake Charles. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of Lake Charles are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Lake Charles. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of Lake Charles free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of Lake Charles?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of Lake Charles?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of Lake Charles?
Housing Authority of Lake Charles Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of Lake Charles are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $43,100. 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 | $18,100 | $30,200 | $48,300 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $46,550 | $74,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $56,900 | $91,050 |
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 Housing Authority of Lake Charles — including across state lines.