Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Bay County Housing Department
The Bay County Housing Department (PHA Code: MI166) manages affordable housing programs in Essexville, Bay County, Michigan. Currently, the waitlists for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing programs are open for new applications. Please note that the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is currently closed.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet specific income limits. For a family of four in the Bay City, MI MSA area, the Very Low Income limit is $41,850 per year. Prospective applicants should verify current income guidelines with the housing department. Recent activity indicates the Public Housing waitlist has changed from unknown to open, while the HCV waitlist changed from unknown to closed.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Mar 29, 2021
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
The MSHDA Section 8 Project-Based Voucher waiting list for Center Ridge Arms in Essexville, MI, is currently open. Applications are accepted by calling (989) 895-8191, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Preferences include homeless, disabled, and residency in the county or state.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Bay County Housing Commission (BCHC) is currently accepting pre-applications for families and senior/disabled individuals, with families with children allowed to apply only if they qualify for a one-bedroom unit. Applicants must provide copies of birth certificates, Social Security Cards, proof of all income, and photo IDs for all adult household members. No preferences were noted.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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 Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), which administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program statewide, closed all HCV waitlists to new additions starting July 1, 2024, and they will remain closed until further budget allows.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Bay County Housing Department directly at (989) 895-8191 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 Bay County Housing Department
Check Current Status
Bay County Housing Department currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Bay County Housing Department, 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 $41,850/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 Bay County Housing Department directly at (989) 895-8191 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 Bay County Housing Department, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on local demand and funding. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Bay County Housing Department
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Bay County Housing Department are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Essexville. 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 Bay County Housing Department 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Bay County Housing Department 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 Essexville. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Bay County Housing Department free?
How long is the wait at Bay County Housing Department?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Bay County Housing Department?
What are the income limits for Bay County Housing Department?
Bay County Housing Department Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Bay County Housing Department are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Bay City, MI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $41,850. 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 | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,900 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,500 | $53,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $37,700 | $60,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,850 | $66,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $45,200 | $72,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $51,900 | $83,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $55,250 | $88,400 |
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 Bay County Housing Department — including across state lines.