What the Abilene Housing Authority does

The Abilene Housing Authority (AHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Abilene, Texas. It owns and operates public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8), and runs other rental information initiatives. The AHA answers to a board of commissioners and operates under Texas Housing and Community Development rules.

The agency serves people and families whose income falls below certain thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The exact income limits change yearly and depend on family size. AHA programs are not the same as emergency rental information or eviction prevention funds — they are permanent or long-term housing solutions, and the process to enter them typically takes months, not weeks.

Most people interact with AHA through one of two routes: explore for a public housing unit that AHA owns directly, or requesting a Housing Choice Voucher that lets you rent from a private landlord while AHA pays part of your rent. Both have separate waiting lists, separate may be able to access rules, and separate process processes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Abilene Housing Authority manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers; these are two separate programs with different waiting lists and rules.
  • Income limits vary by family size and change each year; you must fall below the limit for your household to be considered.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are often closed or have long delays; contact AHA directly to learn the current status and how long the wait typically is.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a signed lease (for voucher programs).
  • Once you receive a voucher or move into public housing, you pay a portion of rent based on your income, and AHA or the voucher covers the rest.

Public housing units managed by AHA

AHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Abilene. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent residences. Rent is set based on your income, typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income, though AHA may set a minimum rent. The agency maintains the buildings and handles repairs as the landlord would.

To move into public housing, you submit an process to AHA, provide required documents, and your name goes on a waiting list. The waiting list is not first-come, first-served in all cases — AHA uses a preference system that may prioritize people who are homeless, people with disabilities, or people being displaced by urban renewal. Ask AHA which preferences currently explore.

Public housing is not temporary. You can stay as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow the lease terms. If your income rises above the limit, AHA may ask you to leave or may allow you to stay at a higher rent. The rules vary by property and by AHA policy.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to participate, and AHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your income, though this can vary.

The voucher is portable, meaning you can move to a different apartment or even a different city (with AHA approval) and keep using it. The landlord must meet HUD housing quality standards, and AHA will inspect the unit before you move in and periodically afterward.

The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in Abilene is often closed because demand exceeds available vouchers. When the list is open, the wait to receive a voucher can be several years. Contact AHA to learn whether the list is currently open and what the typical wait time is.

Income limits and who can participate

HUD sets income limits for public housing and voucher programs based on area median income and family size. For Abilene, these limits change each year. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $55,000 annual income, but this is an example — the actual figure for your household size is published by AHA and HUD each fiscal year.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources. AHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify. Some income is excluded — for example, income of children under 18 in school, and certain types of information.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. AHA will ask for proof of citizenship or a valid work permit. All household members need Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs).

How to contact AHA and start the process

The Abilene Housing Authority office is located at 1133 South 11th Street, Abilene, Texas 79602. You can reach them by phone at (325) 673-1747. Office hours and current waiting list status are available on their website or by calling.

When you contact AHA, ask whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is open, what the current wait time is, and what documents you will need to bring. Some people find it useful to call first to confirm the list is open before making a trip to the office.

You can request an process in person or sometimes by mail. AHA will give you a list of required documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted for proof of income, citizenship, or identity.

Documents you will need

AHA requires proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit). Bring these for every person in your household who will live in the unit.

You will also need proof of current income: recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or benefit statements if you receive Social Security, disability, or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and profit-and-loss statements. If you have no income, bring a statement explaining your situation.

For the Housing Choice Voucher program, you will also need a signed lease from a landlord who accepts vouchers. This means you must find an apartment and get the landlord to agree before you can use the voucher. AHA can provide a list of landlords who participate.

Rent and how much you will pay

In public housing and voucher programs, your rent is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income. If your income is very low, AHA may charge a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month, though this varies). The rest of the rent is paid by the program.

Your rent can change if your income changes. If you get a raise or lose a job, report it to AHA. They will recalculate your rent based on your new income. Some programs allow you to request a rent adjustment if your circumstances change significantly.

You are responsible for utilities unless they are included in the rent. In public housing, some utilities may be included; in voucher programs, you usually pay them yourself. Ask AHA or your landlord which utilities you are responsible for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get into public housing or get a voucher?

Public housing waiting lists in Abilene typically have waits of one to three years, though this varies. Voucher waiting lists are often closed. When they do open, waits can be several years. Contact AHA directly for the current wait time — it changes as people move or leave the program.

What happens if my income goes above the limit?

If your income rises above the limit, AHA will notify you. You may be asked to leave, or AHA may allow you to stay at a higher rent (called "over-income rent"). The rules depend on AHA policy and the type of program. Ask AHA what their policy is when you move in.

Can I use a voucher if I move out of Abilene?

Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, but you need AHA approval to move to a different city. Contact AHA before you move to learn the process. Some areas have long waiting lists for vouchers, so moving may not be possible when ready.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

AHA considers eviction history but does not automatically reject applicants with evictions. They look at the reason, how long ago it happened, and your circumstances now. Disclose the eviction on your process — hiding it can result in rejection or removal later.

Do I need a job to get into public housing or get a voucher?

No. You do not need employment. AHA considers income from any source: wages, Social Security, disability, unemployment, child support, or information programs. If you have no income, explain your situation on the process.