Dowagiac Housing Commission

Dowagiac, Michigan

Last Updated

20 hours ago

About Dowagiac Housing Commission

The Dowagiac Housing Commission, located in Dowagiac, Cass County, Michigan (PHA Code: MI120), manages approximately 219 assisted housing units. These units consist of 132 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 87 Public Housing units.

Currently, the waitlist for the Public Housing program is open and accepting new applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is presently closed to new applicants. Program availability and waitlist status are subject to change.

Eligibility for these housing programs is based on factors including income and family size. For instance, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit, which is $46,050 per year for the Cass County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Prospective applicants are encouraged to inquire directly with the Dowagiac Housing Commission for complete eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Preferences are given to applicants who are employed, live and/or work in Cass County, or are elderly or disabled.

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)
Closed

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) HCV waiting list for Cass County was last open from October 17, 2023, to October 31, 2023, and is currently closed; preferences included county residency and disability.

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

Status History

HCV Closed Mar 23, 2026

Official Application

Contact Dowagiac Housing Commission directly at (269) 782-3786 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

Address 100 Chestnut St
City Dowagiac, MI 49047
PHA Code MI120
Section 8 Units 132
Public Housing Units 87

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 Dowagiac Housing Commission

1

Check Current Status

Dowagiac Housing Commission currently has 1 open waiting list (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 Dowagiac 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 $46,050/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

Contact Dowagiac Housing Commission directly at (269) 782-3786 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Dowagiac Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Dowagiac Housing Commission manages approximately 219 assisted housing units (132 Section 8, 87 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Dowagiac. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Dowagiac Housing Commission

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Dowagiac Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Dowagiac Housing Commission manages approximately 87 Public Housing units in Dowagiac. 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 Dowagiac 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 Dowagiac. This program serves approximately 132 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Dowagiac Housing Commission free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Dowagiac Housing Commission administers 2 programs (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 or in person at their office at 100 Chestnut St, Dowagiac, MI.
How long is the wait at Dowagiac Housing Commission?
Wait times at Dowagiac Housing Commission depend on demand in Dowagiac, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 219 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 23, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Dowagiac 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 Dowagiac Housing Commission, including Niles Housing Commission (13 mi), Benton Harbor Housing Commission (18 mi), Benton Township Housing Commission (19 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 Dowagiac Housing Commission?
You can reach Dowagiac Housing Commission by phone at (269) 782-3786. Their office is located at 100 Chestnut St, Dowagiac, MI 49047. You can also email them at bevweston@dhcommission.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Dowagiac Housing Commission?
Income limits for Dowagiac Housing Commission are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Cass County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $92,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $46,050. 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.

Dowagiac Housing Commission Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Dowagiac Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cass County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,050. 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 $19,400 $32,250 $51,600
2 Persons $22,150 $36,850 $59,000
3 Persons $26,650 $41,450 $66,350
4 Persons $32,150 $46,050 $73,700
5 Persons $37,650 $49,750 $79,600
6 Persons $43,150 $53,450 $85,500
7 Persons $48,650 $57,150 $91,400
8 Persons $54,150 $60,800 $97,300
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $92,200 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.