Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Helena Housing Authority
The Helena Housing Authority (PHA Code: MT004) serves Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, providing various affordable housing options. This authority manages approximately 767 assisted housing units in total and currently has programs open for new applications.
Programs accepting applications include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Specifically, the Helena Housing Authority oversees 401 Section 8 vouchers and 366 Public Housing units. All listed programs, including other available categories, are actively open; recent changes reflect PBV and Public Housing moving to an open status.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $53,500 per year, applicable to the Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants should verify specific eligibility requirements for each program directly with the housing authority.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants must create an account to apply for waitlists and check status. Eligibility is based on income and family size, not exceeding 50% of the median income for the area.
View original notice — hhamt.orgother Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program type covers Affordable Rentals (Wilder Apartments) managed by Helena Housing Authority. No specific preferences found.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Helena Housing Authority 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 Helena Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Helena Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (HCV, PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Helena Housing Authority, 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 $53,500/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 Helena Housing Authority 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 Helena Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Helena Housing Authority manages approximately 767 assisted housing units (401 Section 8, 366 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Helena. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Helena Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Helena Housing Authority 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 Helena. This program serves approximately 401 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Helena Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Helena. 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 Helena Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Helena Housing Authority manages approximately 366 Public Housing units in Helena. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
other open
The other program at Helena Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Helena. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Helena Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Helena Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Helena Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Helena Housing Authority?
Helena Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Helena Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $53,500. 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 | $22,500 | $37,450 | $59,950 |
| 2 Persons | $25,700 | $42,800 | $68,500 |
| 3 Persons | $28,900 | $48,150 | $77,050 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $53,500 | $85,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $57,800 | $92,450 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $62,100 | $99,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,350 | $106,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,650 | $113,000 |
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 Helena Housing Authority — including across state lines.