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About Altoona Housing Authority
The Altoona Housing Authority (PHA Code: PA031) provides essential housing assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families residing in Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania. This authority offers various programs designed to make safe and affordable housing accessible.
Currently, the Altoona Housing Authority is accepting applications for all its primary housing programs: Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. The authority manages approximately 1,520 assisted housing units, consisting of about 995 Housing Choice Vouchers and 525 Public Housing units.
Applicants should be aware of specific income limits for eligibility. For instance, a Very Low Income family of four in the Altoona, PA MSA area must have an annual income not exceeding $41,900. Prospective applicants are encouraged to confirm their household's specific income and size against the authority's most current eligibility requirements.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
The waiting list will be open until 1,000 applications are received. Applications are available at AHA main office. Effective 5/1/2025, the Section 8 Waiting List will be open until 1,000 applications are received. Preference points are available for residency, working families, and veterans.
View original notice — altoonahousing.orgProject-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Oct 9, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waiting list is for Pleasant Village Apartments and offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Phone
Additional Notes
Immediate openings are available on the waiting list at Eleventh Street/Green Avenue Towers and Pleasant Village. The Fairview Hills waiting list is currently open, but there are no immediate openings.
View original notice — altoonahousing.orgStatus History
Official Application
Contact Altoona Housing Authority directly at (814) 949-2000 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 Altoona Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Altoona Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (HCV, 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 Altoona 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 $41,900/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 Altoona Housing Authority directly at (814) 949-2000 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 Altoona Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Altoona Housing Authority manages approximately 1,520 assisted housing units (995 Section 8, 525 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Altoona. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Altoona Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Altoona 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 Altoona. This program serves approximately 995 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 Altoona Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Altoona. 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 Altoona Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Altoona Housing Authority manages approximately 525 Public Housing units in Altoona. 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 Altoona Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Altoona Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Altoona Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Altoona Housing Authority?
Altoona Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Altoona Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Altoona, PA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $41,900. 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 | $17,650 | $29,350 | $46,950 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,550 | $53,650 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $37,750 | $60,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,900 | $67,050 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $45,300 | $72,450 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $48,650 | $77,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $52,000 | $83,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $55,350 | $88,550 |
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 Altoona Housing Authority — including across state lines.