Beyond Bending Tell You How
Located in the heart of Iowa City, the Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) is a public housing agency that provides safe, affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The ICHA was established in 1969 and has been serving the community for over 50 years.
The ICHA operates several programs, including public housing and Section 8 housing vouchers, to help eligible residents access affordable housing. The agency also offers a range of supportive services to help residents achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.
Public Housing Program
The public housing program is one of the main programs offered by the ICHA. It provides affordable rental housing to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The ICHA owns and manages several public housing properties in Iowa City, including high-rise buildings and townhomes.
To qualify for public housing, applicants must meet certain income and eligibility requirements. The ICHA uses the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) income limits to determine eligibility. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check and meet other screening criteria.
| Income Limits | Family Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Income | 80% | $34,450 | $39,350 | $44,250 | $49,150 | $53,100 | $57,000 | $60,900 | $64,850 |
| Very Low Income | 50% | $21,550 | $24,600 | $27,700 | $30,750 | $33,250 | $35,700 | $38,200 | $40,650 |
Note: Income limits are subject to change and may vary by location. Contact the ICHA for the most up-to-date information.
Once approved for public housing, residents pay a portion of their income towards rent, with the remainder subsidized by the ICHA. Rent is generally set at 30% of the household’s income, but may be adjusted based on other factors, such as utility costs.
Section 8 Housing Vouchers
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is another program offered by the ICHA. It provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Participants in the program receive a voucher that can be used to rent housing from private landlords.
Under the Section 8 program, participants pay a portion of their income towards rent, with the remainder subsidized by the ICHA. The amount of rent paid by the participant is generally set at 30% of their income.
To qualify for the Section 8 program, applicants must meet certain income and eligibility requirements. The ICHA uses the same income limits as the public housing program to determine eligibility. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check and meet other screening criteria.
Supportive Services
In addition to providing affordable housing, the ICHA offers a range of supportive services to help residents achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. These services include:
- Job training and employment services
- Financial education and counseling
- Health and wellness programs
- Child care assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Community engagement and volunteer opportunities
These services are designed to help residents overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and achieve their goals.
How to Apply
To apply for public housing or the Section 8 program, individuals must complete an application and provide supporting documentation, such as proof of income and identification. Applications can be obtained from the ICHA office or downloaded from the agency’s website.
Completed applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the ICHA office. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the waiting list for both programs may be several months or years long.
Board of Commissioners
The ICHA is governed by a Board of Commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the agency’s operations and setting policies. The Board is made up of five members, who are appointed by the Mayor of Iowa City and approved by the City Council.
The Board meets monthly to discuss agency business and make decisions about policies, budgets, and other matters. Board meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on agency operations.
Partner Organizations
The ICHA works closely with several partner organizations to provide services and resources to residents. These organizations include:
- The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County
- The Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition
- The Iowa City Community School District
- The Iowa City Police Department
- The Iowa Department of Human Services
These partnerships enable the ICHA to leverage additional resources and provide a more comprehensive range of services to residents.
FAQs
What is the Iowa City Housing Authority?
The Iowa City Housing Authority is a public housing agency that provides safe, affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Iowa City.
What programs does the ICHA offer?
The ICHA offers several programs, including public housing and Section 8 housing vouchers, to help eligible residents access affordable housing. The agency also offers a range of supportive services to help residents achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.
How do I apply for public housing or the Section 8 program?
To apply for public housing or the Section 8 program, individuals must complete an application and provide supporting documentation, such as proof of income and identification. Applications can be obtained from the ICHA office or downloaded from the agency’s website.
What supportive services does the ICHA offer?
The ICHA offers a range of supportive services, including job training and employment services, financial education and counseling, health and wellness programs, child care assistance, transportation assistance, and community engagement and volunteer opportunities.
Who governs the ICHA?
The ICHA is governed by a Board of Commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the agency’s operations and setting policies. The Board is made up of five members, who are appointed by the Mayor of Iowa City and approved by the City Council.
What partner organizations does the ICHA work with?
The ICHA works closely with several partner organizations, including the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, the Iowa City Community School District, the Iowa City Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Human Services.
