Montcalm County Housing Commission

Howard City, Michigan

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Montcalm County Housing Commission

The Montcalm County Housing Commission (PHA Code MI186) is situated in Howard City, Montcalm County, Michigan. This housing authority manages approximately 358 assisted housing units within its jurisdiction.

Currently, the Montcalm County Housing Commission is accepting new applications exclusively for its Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program are both presently closed to new applicants. For those interested in the Public Housing program, applicants must meet specific income guidelines; for instance, a family of four must not exceed a Very Low Income limit of $41,050 per year for the Montcalm County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Potential applicants are encouraged to confirm the latest application status and eligibility criteria directly with the Commission.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jan 17, 2019

How to Apply

In-person or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The waiting list has been open since at least January 17, 2019, until further notice. Applications can be picked up at the office (120 Mulberry St, Howard City, MI 49329) and then mailed or hand-delivered. This program offers 1-3 bedroom units in Howard City, with rent based on 30% of monthly inc...

Other Programs

2 programs

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 waiting list can be up to a year depending on availability & funding. When the waiting list is open, it will be advertised in the local newspapers.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The waiting list for our Project Based Voucher is up to a year or more depending on vacancies. Mulberry Estates: 1 Bedroom Units for Seniors/Disabled. Family Scattered Sites: 2/3 Bedrooms.

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

Status History

HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Montcalm County Housing Commission directly at (231) 937-4241 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

City Howard City, MI 49329
PHA Code MI186
Section 8 Units 358

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 Montcalm County Housing Commission

1

Check Current Status

Montcalm County 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 Montcalm 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 $41,050/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 Montcalm County Housing Commission directly at (231) 937-4241 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 Montcalm County Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Montcalm County Housing Commission manages approximately 358 assisted housing units (358 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Howard City. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Montcalm County Housing Commission

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Montcalm 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Montcalm 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 Howard City. This program serves approximately 358 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Montcalm County Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Howard City. 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 Montcalm County Housing Commission free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Montcalm County Housing Commission administers 3 programs (Public Housing, HCV, PBV) — 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.
How long is the wait at Montcalm County Housing Commission?
Wait times at Montcalm County Housing Commission depend on demand in Howard City, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 358 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 18, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Montcalm County 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 Montcalm County Housing Commission, including Greenville Housing Commission (19 mi), Rockford Housing Commission (21 mi), Big Rapids 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 Montcalm County Housing Commission?
You can reach Montcalm County Housing Commission by phone at (231) 937-4241. You can also email them at maria@mchchousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Montcalm County Housing Commission?
Income limits for Montcalm County Housing Commission are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Montcalm County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $82,100). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $41,050. 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.

Montcalm County Housing Commission Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Montcalm County Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Montcalm County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $41,050. 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 $17,300 $28,750 $46,000
2 Persons $21,150 $32,850 $52,600
3 Persons $26,650 $36,950 $59,150
4 Persons $32,150 $41,050 $65,700
5 Persons $37,650 $44,350 $71,000
6 Persons $43,150 $47,650 $76,250
7 Persons $48,650 $50,950 $81,500
8 Persons $54,150 $54,200 $86,750
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $82,100 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.