Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Howard County Housing Commission
The Howard County Housing Commission (PHA Code MD023) serves Columbia, Howard County, Maryland. This authority manages approximately 1,184 assisted housing units, specifically overseeing 1,184 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Currently, the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program is open for new applications. Both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program are presently closed to new applicants. Waitlist statuses can change, so applicants should verify current availability.
To be eligible for assistance, household income must meet specific limits for the area. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA is $65,150 per year.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waitlist is open for homeless veterans. VA provides services, and HUD-VASH case managers take referrals from veterans themselves, community organizations, agencies, or other VA programs.
Other Programs
2 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 is currently closed and not anticipated to open in the near future.
The Howard County Housing Commission is not accepting public housing waiting list applications at this time.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Howard County Housing Commission 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 Howard County Housing Commission
Check Current Status
Howard County Housing Commission currently has 1 open waiting list (VASH). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Howard County Housing Commission, 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 $65,150/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 Howard County Housing Commission 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 Howard County Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Howard County Housing Commission manages approximately 1,184 assisted housing units (1,184 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbia. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Howard County Housing Commission
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing open
The HUD-VASH program at Howard County Housing Commission combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Columbia. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Howard County Housing Commission 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 Columbia. This program serves approximately 1,184 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 Howard County Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Howard County Housing Commission free?
How long is the wait at Howard County Housing Commission?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Howard County Housing Commission?
What are the income limits for Howard County Housing Commission?
Howard County Housing Commission Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Howard County Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $65,150. 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 | $27,400 | $45,650 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $31,300 | $52,150 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $35,200 | $58,650 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $39,100 | $65,150 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $42,250 | $70,400 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $45,400 | $75,600 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $80,800 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $86,000 | $137,550 |
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 Howard County Housing Commission — including across state lines.