Public Housing

What Is Public Housing?

The Public Housing program, also referred to as Low Rent, is a federally funded program that provides rental assistance to low-income families. The units are owned by the Housing Authority.

The agency manages 118 public housing rental units across six housing developments in the City of Donna.

How Do I Apply?

An application must be submitted in person on an application day. All adult household members must be present when applying.

The waiting list is currently closed.

How Much Do I Pay?

Rental payments are determined using the following formula:

• 30% of monthly adjusted income after allowed deductions
• $50 minimum rent

Who Is Eligible?

Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. The Housing Authority determines eligibility based on:

1. Annual gross income
2. Whether the applicant qualifies as elderly, a person with a disability, or a family
3. U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status

If an applicant is eligible, the Housing Authority will check references to determine whether the applicant and household are likely to be suitable tenants. Admission may be denied when an applicant’s habits or practices could reasonably be expected to harm other tenants or the housing development’s environment.

The Housing Authority uses income limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD sets low-income limits at 80% and very-low-income limits at 50% of the median income for the applicable county or metropolitan area. Because limits vary by location, an applicant may qualify at one housing authority but not another.