Elmira Housing Authority

Elmira, New York

Last Updated

20 hours ago

About Elmira Housing Authority

The Elmira Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY030) provides housing assistance to residents of Elmira, Chemung County, New York. This authority manages approximately 495 assisted housing units across its various programs.

Currently, the Elmira Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing program. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is closed to new applications at this time. Applicants should note that the HCV program has recently opened for applications.

To qualify for assistance, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit, which is $44,250 per year for the Elmira, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area. Prospective applicants should verify current eligibility requirements and application procedures directly with the housing authority.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Eligibility is for low-income households, with preference points for victims of domestic violence or homelessness.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The Elmira Housing Authority is currently accepting public housing applications for families and senior/disabled individuals, and has open apartments with no traditional waiting list. There is a preference system for victims of domestic violence or homeless individuals.

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.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available for this program directly through Elmira Housing Authority.

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

Status History

PBV Closed 6 days ago
HCV Opened Mar 12, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Elmira Housing Authority directly at (607) 737-7100 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 737D Reservoir St
City Elmira, NY 14905
PHA Code NY030
Public Housing Units 495

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 Elmira Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Elmira Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, 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 Elmira 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 $44,250/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 Elmira 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Elmira Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Elmira Housing Authority manages approximately 495 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Elmira. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Elmira Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

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

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Elmira Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Elmira Housing Authority manages approximately 495 Public Housing units in Elmira. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Elmira Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Elmira. 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 Elmira Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Elmira Housing Authority administers 3 programs (HCV, Public Housing, 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's official portal or in person at their office at 737D Reservoir St, Elmira, NY.
How long is the wait at Elmira Housing Authority?
Wait times at Elmira Housing Authority depend on demand in Elmira, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 495 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 1, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Elmira Housing Authority 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 Elmira Housing Authority, including Village of Elmira Heights (2 mi), Bradford County Housing Authority (25 mi), Tioga County Housing Authority (25 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New York and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact Elmira Housing Authority?
You can reach Elmira Housing Authority by phone at (607) 737-7100. Their office is located at 737D Reservoir St, Elmira, NY 14905. You can also email them at kshafer@elmirahousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Elmira Housing Authority?
Income limits for Elmira Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Elmira, NY MSA (currently $81,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $44,250. 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.

Elmira Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Elmira Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Elmira, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $44,250. 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 $18,600 $31,000 $49,600
2 Persons $21,250 $35,400 $56,650
3 Persons $26,650 $39,850 $63,750
4 Persons $32,150 $44,250 $70,800
5 Persons $37,650 $47,800 $76,500
6 Persons $43,150 $51,350 $82,150
7 Persons $48,650 $54,900 $87,800
8 Persons $54,150 $58,450 $93,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $81,900 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.