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About Lehigh County Housing Authority
The Lehigh County Housing Authority, based in Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, provides housing assistance programs for eligible individuals and families. This authority currently offers both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing opportunities, with both programs presently open for applications.
The Authority oversees approximately 1,964 assisted housing units in total. This includes 1,675 Housing Choice Vouchers and 289 Public Housing units. Eligibility for these programs is income-based; for example, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit of $50,100 annually in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area to qualify.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants must be at or below extremely low income limits and living, working, or attending school in Lehigh County (excluding Allentown and Bethlehem). Preferences include displaced families, veterans, families paying >30% of income for rent, and those living/working/attending school in LCHA jurisdiction (excluding Allentown and Bethlehem).
View original notice — lehighcountyha.orgPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Public Housing family units include Coplay Apts, Cherokee Apts, and 7th St Village. Applicants must be living, working, or attending school in Lehigh County (excluding Allentown and Bethlehem) and meet specific income limits.
View original notice — lehighcountyha.orgOfficial Application
Apply directly through the official Lehigh County 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 Lehigh County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Lehigh County Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Lehigh County 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 $50,100/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 Lehigh County 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 Lehigh County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Lehigh County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,964 assisted housing units (1,675 Section 8, 289 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Emmaus. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Lehigh County Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Lehigh County 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 Emmaus. This program serves approximately 1,675 households. 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 Lehigh County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Lehigh County Housing Authority manages approximately 289 Public Housing units in Emmaus. 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 Lehigh County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Lehigh County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Lehigh County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Lehigh County Housing Authority?
Lehigh County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Lehigh County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,100. 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 | $21,050 | $35,100 | $56,150 |
| 2 Persons | $24,050 | $40,100 | $64,150 |
| 3 Persons | $27,050 | $45,100 | $72,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,100 | $80,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,150 | $86,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,150 | $93,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,150 | $105,800 |
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 Lehigh County Housing Authority — including across state lines.