Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority

The Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority serves Lima, Allen County, Ohio. This authority manages approximately 1,302 assisted housing units, consisting of 1,058 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 244 Public Housing units.

Currently, the Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Other, SRO, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) programs. The waitlists for Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing programs are presently closed to new applications. Both the PBV and Public Housing waitlists recently changed from open to closed.

For applicants in the Lima, OH MSA area, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four is $46,250 per year.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program, offering dormitory-style housing for single, homeless males at the Lima YMCA Annex, has an always-open waiting list. To apply, individuals must visit AMHA for a referral form and then apply at the YMCA Annex, bringing a photo ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, recent bank/asset statement, and proof of income/benefits.

SRO Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program offers dormitory-style housing for single, homeless males at the Lima YMCA Annex. To apply, individuals must visit AMHA for a referral form and then apply at the YMCA Annex, bringing a photo ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, recent bank/asset statement, and proof of income/benefits.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person

Additional Notes

This program offers dormitory-style housing for single, homeless males at the Lima YMCA Annex. To apply, individuals must first visit AMHA for a referral form and then apply at the YMCA Annex with a photo ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, recent bank/asset statement, and proof of income/benefits.

Other Programs

3 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 HCVP waiting list is usually closed. When it opens, we announce it in local newspapers, on this website, our Facebook page, and in other community locations.

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

Maplewood 2-bedroom Project Based Voucher Waiting List opening to receive online applications beginning 8:30 a.m. on April 14, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. April 16, 2026.

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

Public Housing (4 Bedroom) waiting list is opening to receive online applications beginning on February 10, 2026 through March 10, 2026.

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

Status History

PBV Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Closed 3 days ago
PBV Opened Mar 31, 2026

Deadline: Apr 16, 2026

Public Housing Opened Mar 16, 2026

Deadline: Mar 10, 2026

Public Housing Closed Mar 10, 2026

Official Application

Contact Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority directly at (419) 228-6065 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 600 S Main St
City Lima, OH 45804
PHA Code OH044
Section 8 Units 1,058
Public Housing Units 244

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 Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Other, SRO, Single Room Occupancy (SRO)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Allen Metropolitan 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 $46,250/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

Contact Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority directly at (419) 228-6065 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 Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 1,302 assisted housing units (1,058 Section 8, 244 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Lima. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority

Other open

The Other program at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lima. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO open

The SRO program at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lima. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) open

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Lima. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Allen Metropolitan 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 Lima. This program serves approximately 1,058 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 Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Lima. 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 closed

Public Housing units at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority manages approximately 244 Public Housing units in Lima. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority administers 6 programs (Other, SRO, Single Room Occupancy (SRO), HCV, PBV, Public Housing) — 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 600 S Main St, Lima, OH.
How long is the wait at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Wait times at Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority depend on demand in Lima, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,302 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 4, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Allen Metropolitan 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 Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority, including Shelby Metropolitan Housing Authority (31 mi), Logan County Metropolitan Housing Authority (31 mi), Hancock Metropolitian Housing Authority (33 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Ohio and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Ohio.
How do I contact Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority?
You can reach Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority by phone at (419) 228-6065. Their office is located at 600 S Main St, Lima, OH 45804. You can also email them at tiffany_wright@allenmha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Income limits for Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lima, OH MSA (currently $92,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $46,250. 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.

Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lima, OH MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,250. 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 $19,450 $32,350 $51,800
2 Persons $22,200 $37,000 $59,200
3 Persons $26,650 $41,650 $66,600
4 Persons $32,150 $46,250 $74,000
5 Persons $37,650 $49,950 $79,950
6 Persons $43,150 $53,650 $85,850
7 Persons $48,650 $57,350 $91,800
8 Persons $54,150 $61,050 $97,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $92,800 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.