Our Communities

Within each preference, the oldest application is processed first. For Public Housing, ORHA uses the following preferences and scores:

1. Families displaced by government action through no fault of their own, natural disaster, or displaced from the Voucher Program due to reductions in federal funding. (300 points)
   • Proof Required:
   • Documentation from government/city official verifying displacement. 
   • Letter from the Public Housing Agency which canceled the voucher, stating the reduction in funding as a reason.
2. Applicants Able To Lease in Place (200 points)
   • Proof Required: Written communication from the Applicant's present landlord agreeing to contract with ORHA's HCV division.
3. Current Residents Moving To Homeownership (150 points)
   • Proof Required: Acceptance into a Homeownership program, verification of FSS escrow, or personal savings account. Meet the definition of "Homeownership Ready."
4. Homeless (100 points)
   • Proof Required: Verification of homelessness status from a third party, such as a homeless/ social service agency.
5. Fleeing Domestic Violence (100 points)
   • Proof Required: Certify their situation by completing the VAWA form HUD-5382 as their verification, or a third party (such as a domestic violence/ social service agency), or self-certify. The applicant must certify that the abuser will not reside with the applicant unless the PHA gives prior written approval.
6. Disabled (30 points)
   • Proof Required: Proof of disability letter from the Social Security Administration, or a document from a knowledgeable professional reporting disability.
7. Elderly: 62+ (30 points)
   • Proof Required: Photo ID/ Birth certificate.
8. Veteran (30 points)
   • Proof Required: DD Form 214-Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214).
9. Working Families - The head, spouse, or co-head is employed at least 20 hours per week. 20+ hrs/week (30 points)
   • Proof Required: Pay stubs/ proof of employment.

Applicants may qualify for more than one preference. Assistance is offered based on the type of unit required and the time and date of application. (Oldest first).

Public housing is limited to income-qualified families/households, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. In addition, our housing authority determines eligibility based on:

• Annual gross income
• Family background information – this includes current and prior landlords, personal references, and performance meeting financial obligations (especially rent)
• Criminal history

You will also need to provide references, verify your income, and provide social security cards and birth certificates for all household members.

Income limits are set by HUD. (See table below). Persons wanting to live in an ORHA home must have a gross income at or below the income limit for the appropriate family or household size.

Certain types and sizes of pets are permitted. Proof of vaccinations, spay/neuter documentation, and payment of a $200.00 pet deposit will be required before the pet can be brought onto ORHA property. This does not apply to service animals.