Housing Programs

The Housing Authority of Alameda County (HACA) administers two basic types of housing programs, tenant-based assistance (Section 8) and project based assistance (Affordable Housing).  Tenant-based assistance is tied to the family who has the freedom of searching for affordable housing among all rental housing within HACA’s jurisdiction.

Project-based assistance is tied to a specific dwelling.  The family who lives there will pay an affordable rent, but if they move, they receive no further rental assistance.  The unit then goes to the next income-eligible family who moves in.

Approximately 5,700 households are served by these two programs.  The rent paid by families is based on household income (see the Housing Statistics link below).  Rent is generally between 30% to 40% of the family’s monthly-adjusted gross income.

For more information, please click on the links below:

• Section 8 Information

• Section 8 Home Ownership

• Affordable Housing Information

• Housing Statistics Housing Statistics Housing Statistics (Shows Fair Market Rents, Payment Standards, Income Limits, Utility Allowances)

• Portability Information - for PHA use only.

The Housing Authority does more than provide shelter. Through programs like Family Self Sufficiency and the Scholarship Awards, the agency plays an active role in the lives of families and in the community.

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY is a program designed specifically for Section 8 and Public Housing residents. Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) combines case management, education and training, and housing assistance to aid families in becoming economically independent. FSS participants sign a 5-year Contract of Participation. FSS also offers a homebuyers education program to prepare participants to purchase a home of their own. The FSS program has successfully graduated over 150 families and over 20 of those families have achieved homeownership.

Demonstrating its commitment to enable clients to become self-sufficient, HOUSING AUTHORITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS are awarded each year. Family Self-Sufficiency participants and residents of Housing Authority owned units are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Up to ten scholarships are available each year for participants that attend community college, apprentice or licensed vocational programs, or universities.