PUBLIC HOUSING - Program Overview

The Public Housing program was established to provide safe and decent housing for low income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities. PBCHA is able to provide safe and decent housing to residents, at a rent amount they can afford, through Federal aid offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

PBCHA selects residents from a waiting list, according to unit availability. PBCHA offers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units, and 1 bedroom elderly-only units, which consist of villas, townhome apartments, and single family homes. The placement of the applicant on the waiting list depends on the amount of bedrooms an applicant qualifies for, and it is determined by the applicant’s family composition.

PBCHA advertises the opening of the waiting lists through a notice in the Palm Beach Post, and through the website homepage. If a waiting list is open, the notice will indicate which waiting lists are open, how to apply, and the application deadline. It will also include PBCHA’s preferences.

PBCHA has a local preference for working families. To earn the local preference, at least one household member must be working 30 hours or more a week for one full year at the time the applicant is offered a unit. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application, have no evictions in the past 5 years, and all adults must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Once an applicant comes up on the list, PBCHA verifies the applicant’s eligibility, and notifies the applicant if eligible or not. Eligible applicants are offered a unit at one of our Public Housing properties. If the applicant is found to be ineligible, PBCHA will give applicant the reasons for ineligibility.

Eligibility to the program will depend on several factors, such as: whether an applicant qualifies as a family, elderly or disabled individual, their eligible immigration status or citizenship, and annual gross income. Other eligibility factors include past rental history, and criminal background history, as well as other factors that will allow PBCHA to make certain the applicants will not threaten the safety and peaceful enjoyment of others.