About Affordable Housing

Anyone interested can apply for public housing and can start the process with our application.

You can apply on line 24 hours a day, in person at our office during office hours.  Applications will be accepted for open waitlist.  When our waitlist re-open will publicize the information in the Rockford Register Star, this website and on our Facebook page.

Start by completing our application. You will need the names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of all members of your household and basic income information to get started.

A lot of factors go into eligibility for housing, and you may qualify for more than one type of program. While we can share the programs that might be the best fit for you and your family, you are welcome to apply for any of our programs. For any housing program, start by completing our application.

There is a background check for all programs at the time of eligibility and we will look 6 months from the date of application. As each circumstance is different, do not let something like a background check prevent you from applying. Each applicant is considered by their situation.

You’ll receive an email confirmation (or letter if you don’t have an email address). Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a client ID that allows you to and check, update, or renew your application status online by clicking “Check/Renew Application Status.”

Once you apply, you will be placed on the wait list taking into consideration a variety of factors. Preference points are given to applicants for living in certain counties, the elderly, employment status, military veterans, survivors of violence, and nursing home residents. Your place on a waiting list can move up and down daily, depending on your preference points and the preference points of others applying for housing. Know that we are working hard to quickly and effectively provide housing options to all qualified candidates.

You can check your application status and place on the wait list anytime by clicking “Check/Renew Application Status,” by visiting one of our locations, or by calling 815-963-2133.

Our staff will offer housing to applicants based on their position on the wait list, which considers the application date and their preference points.

It is possible to apply for more than one housing program and be on more than one waiting list. You’ll be notified when a housing option becomes available, at which time you can accept that option or turn it down while waiting for another option. There is no penalty for turning down an option you are offered.

You’ll need to update your application annually or anytime there is a change to your application information. Updates must be done in writing and submitted via e-mail, mail, fax or dropped off at our office.

Yes – the Housing Choice Voucher, or Section 8, Program is designed to be moveable. You can take your voucher with you to another city or state. We call this portability between housing authorities. There are forms for portability into and out of the WCHA service area on our Forms page.

We understand that applying for housing can be scary and confusing, but we are here to help. Contact us at 815-963-2133.