Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (PHA Code: WI002), provides various affordable housing options. Applicants can currently apply for several programs, including Affordable Market-Rate Housing, Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is currently closed to new applications.
HACM manages approximately 10,003 assisted housing units. This includes 2,322 Public Housing units and 7,681 Housing Choice Vouchers. Eligibility for these programs is based on income. For example, a very low-income family of four in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA area must have an annual income no higher than $55,350 to qualify.
Affordable Market-Rate Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
HACM is continually accepting new applications for its Affordable Market-Rate Housing apartments at Berryland, Northlawn, and Southlawn.
Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are continually accepted for Affordable Market-Rate Housing apartments at Berryland, Northlawn and Southlawn.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Project-Based Vouchers apply to specific buildings, and HACM is accepting pre-applications for 12 developments. Eligible applicants must be adult Wisconsin residents with household incomes not exceeding specified limits.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Mar 5, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Head of household must be 18 years or older, and household income must not exceed 80% of Milwaukee County's median income. Selection is based on the date and time of application, and the majority of available units are one-bedroom apartments.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Rent Assistance) waiting list remains closed. An announcement will be made when the waiting list reopens.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee 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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee currently has 4 open waiting lists (Affordable Market-Rate Housing, Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing), 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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, 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 $55,350/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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee 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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee manages approximately 10,003 assisted housing units (7,681 Section 8, 2,322 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Milwaukee. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
Affordable Market-Rate Housing open
The Affordable Market-Rate Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Milwaukee. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing) open
The Other (Affordable Market-Rate Housing) program at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Milwaukee. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Milwaukee. 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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee manages approximately 2,322 Public Housing units in Milwaukee. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. This program serves approximately 7,681 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee?
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $55,350. 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 | $23,250 | $38,750 | $62,000 |
| 2 Persons | $26,600 | $44,300 | $70,850 |
| 3 Persons | $29,900 | $49,850 | $79,700 |
| 4 Persons | $33,200 | $55,350 | $88,550 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,250 | $102,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $68,650 | $109,850 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,100 | $116,900 |
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 Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee — including across state lines.