The Athens Housing Authority Public Housing Program
The Athens Housing Authority (AHA) offers an affordable housing option for low-income families through its public housing program. However, the AHA cannot provide emergency housing, nor does the AHA administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. For information on the Section 8 Voucher program, please contact the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) at (770) 806-5050.
Program Eligibility
To be considered for eligibility and suitability in the public housing program, an applicant family must:
- Qualify as a family as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the AHA.
- Have income at the time of admission that is at or below HUD-specified income limits.
- Qualify on the basis of citizenship or the eligible immigrant status of family members.
- Provide social security number information for family members as required.
- Consent to the AHA’s collection and use of family information as provided for on AHA consent forms.
In addition, the AHA must determine that the current or past behavior of household members does not include activities that are prohibited by HUD or the AHA.
Lifetime Prohibitions from Receiving Housing Assistance
Federal requirements prohibit housing authorities from providing assistance to the following individuals:
- Persons who are subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program.
- Persons who are convicted for the manufacture or sale of methamphetamines.
Applying for a Housing Unit
Outline of Process
- Applicant family applies and is placed on the waiting list based on total preference points and date/time of application.
- Applicant family is selected once they are at the top of the waiting list and a unit is expected to come available.
- Applicant family verifies preferences still apply at time of selection and submits intake certification and required documentation and consent forms.
- Applicant family is interviewed.
- An eligibility determination is made and the applicant family is notified of the determination and subsequent steps.
Waiting List
The AHA manages a centralized waiting list for all of its properties. The waiting list is organized by bedroom size. Please note: It can take between 6 months and 2 years for an applicant family to reach the top of the waiting list. The waiting list will only be closed in accordance with AHA policies and procedures which require public notification.
Applying for an Apartment
Here is a link to our FAQ with instructions on how to apply and the next steps in the process: FAQ. The application link is found under the question How Do I Apply? in the FAQ. The applicant portal will be the primary way AHA communicates with applicants as they go through the application process. In the portal, you can manage your selected preferences, update your contact information, and see your position on the waiting list.
AHA will provide designated computers for applicants to use in the lobby, but the portal will work on phones, tablets, and any other computers that access the internet.
If you are a person with disabilities and require a specific accommodation in order to apply, please contact the Admissions Manager at (706) 425-5304 or email: admissions@athenshousing.org.