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About Harrisburg Housing Authority
The Harrisburg Housing Authority (PHA Code: PA008) provides assisted housing in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It manages approximately 3,270 assisted housing units, which include 1,520 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 1,750 Public Housing units.
Currently, all housing programs offered by the Harrisburg Housing Authority have closed waiting lists. This includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Both the PBV and Public Housing waiting lists recently changed from open to closed.
Applicants should note that all waitlists are presently closed and not accepting new applications. For reference, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA area is $52,700 per year.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
Eligibility for the waiting list is based on income limits, and applicants are placed on the list based on application date and applicable preferences such as veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents.
The waitlist for Project-Based Vouchers is currently closed; specific details on preferences or restrictions were not found. Income limits for eligibility typically apply.
The authority does not offer site-based wait lists, and applicants 62 or older are placed on the elderly wait list unless they request general occupancy; continued interest must be reported every six months to avoid application withdrawal. Income limits apply, with priority for families with children, elderly, and disabled individuals.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Harrisburg Housing Authority directly at (717) 232-6781 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 Harrisburg Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Harrisburg Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Harrisburg 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 $52,700/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 Harrisburg Housing Authority directly at (717) 232-6781 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 Harrisburg Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Harrisburg Housing Authority manages approximately 3,270 assisted housing units (1,520 Section 8, 1,750 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Harrisburg. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Harrisburg Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg. This program serves approximately 1,520 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 Harrisburg Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Harrisburg Housing Authority manages approximately 1,750 Public Housing units in Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Harrisburg Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Harrisburg Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Harrisburg Housing Authority?
Harrisburg Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Harrisburg Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $52,700. 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 | $22,150 | $36,900 | $59,050 |
| 2 Persons | $25,300 | $42,200 | $67,450 |
| 3 Persons | $28,450 | $47,450 | $75,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $52,700 | $84,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,950 | $91,050 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $61,150 | $97,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $65,350 | $104,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $69,600 | $111,300 |
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 Harrisburg Housing Authority — including across state lines.