Last Updated

20 hours ago

About Big Rapids Housing Commission

The Big Rapids Housing Commission (BRHC) provides vital housing assistance within Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan. This commission manages approximately 287 assisted housing units and currently offers two key programs that are open for applications: Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Public Housing. These programs aim to provide stable and affordable housing opportunities for eligible low-income families and individuals.

For a family of four, the very low-income limit in the Mecosta County, MI area is $40,950 per year. This income threshold is a key factor in determining eligibility for the BRHC's open Project-Based Voucher and Public Housing programs. Potential applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the Big Rapids Housing Commission for comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria, the application process, and specific waitlist information for current openings.

Meadow Park Apartments Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Applications are available; specific preferences or restrictions are not detailed in the provided search results.

Nisbett-Fairman Residences Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Apartments are currently available in the historic Nisbett-Fairman Residences. Specific preferences or restrictions are not detailed in the provided search results.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for Nisbett-Fairman Residences. No application fee is required.

View original notice — bigrapidshousing.org

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Applications are accepted for Meadow Park Apartments and Nisbett-Fairman Residences. No application fee is required.

View original notice — bigrapidshousing.org

Other Programs

1 program

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)
Pending

No current waitlist information specific to the Big Rapids Housing Commission's own HCV program was found. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Housing Choice Voucher waitlist for Mecosta County is currently closed.

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

Status History

Nisbett-Fairman Residences Opened 20 hours ago
Meadow Park Apartments Opened 20 hours ago
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 20, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 19, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Big Rapids Housing Commission 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 9 Parkview Vlg
City Big Rapids, MI 49307
PHA Code MI041
Public Housing Units 287

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 Big Rapids Housing Commission

1

Check Current Status

Big Rapids Housing Commission currently has 4 open waiting lists (Meadow Park Apartments, Nisbett-Fairman Residences, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Big Rapids 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 $40,950/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 Big Rapids 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Big Rapids Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Big Rapids Housing Commission manages approximately 287 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Big Rapids. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Big Rapids Housing Commission

Meadow Park Apartments open

The Meadow Park Apartments program at Big Rapids Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Big Rapids. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Nisbett-Fairman Residences open

The Nisbett-Fairman Residences program at Big Rapids Housing Commission provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Big Rapids. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Big Rapids Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Big Rapids. 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 open

Public Housing units at Big Rapids Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Big Rapids Housing Commission manages approximately 287 Public Housing units in Big Rapids. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Big Rapids 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 Big Rapids. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Big Rapids Housing Commission free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Big Rapids Housing Commission administers 5 programs (Meadow Park Apartments, Nisbett-Fairman Residences, PBV, Public Housing, HCV) — 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 9 Parkview Vlg, Big Rapids, MI.
How long is the wait at Big Rapids Housing Commission?
Wait times at Big Rapids Housing Commission depend on demand in Big Rapids, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 287 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 7, 2026 when the Nisbett-Fairman Residences list changed from "unknown" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Big Rapids Housing Commission 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 Big Rapids Housing Commission, including Reed City Housing Commission (12 mi), Evart Housing Commission (18 mi), Montcalm County Housing Commission (21 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Michigan and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Michigan.
How do I contact Big Rapids Housing Commission?
You can reach Big Rapids Housing Commission by phone at (231) 796-8689. Their office is located at 9 Parkview Vlg, Big Rapids, MI 49307. You can also email them at lmiller@bigrapidshousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Big Rapids Housing Commission?
Income limits for Big Rapids Housing Commission are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Mecosta County, MI (currently $77,600). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $40,950. 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.

Big Rapids Housing Commission Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Big Rapids Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Mecosta County, MI. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $40,950. 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 $17,200 $28,700 $45,850
2 Persons $21,150 $32,800 $52,400
3 Persons $26,650 $36,900 $58,950
4 Persons $32,150 $40,950 $65,500
5 Persons $37,650 $44,250 $70,750
6 Persons $43,150 $47,550 $76,000
7 Persons $48,650 $50,800 $81,250
8 Persons $54,100 $54,100 $86,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $77,600 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.