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About Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama (PHA Code: AL001), manages approximately 10,751 assisted housing units. These comprise 6,438 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 4,313 Public Housing units.

HABD operates various housing programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Single Room Occupancy (SRO), and VASH programs. All of HABD's waiting lists are currently closed. This includes recent changes for the VASH and SRO programs, which are now closed.

For a family of four in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit for eligibility is $47,950 per year.

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Homeownership Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Email or In-person

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Homeownership Program offers affordable opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. Preferences are given to HABD public housing residents and Section 8 participants. Eligibility requires a minimum annual income of $15,000, acceptable rental history, a credit score of at least 620, first-time homebuyer status, US citizenship, and attendance at a Homebuyer Education Seminar.

Other Programs

15 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Interested participants can get started by visiting HABD.org/portals to register and join the waiting list when it opens.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

This program is for non-elderly, disabled individuals or families, requiring applicants to select the 'Mainstream' preference. Applications were primarily online, with accommodations for assistance.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher waiting list for Avery At Southtown was last open in September 2024; rental assistance is tied to specific units. Applications were accepted online, with paper applications for reasonable accommodations by mail.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

Interested public housing residents can apply using the provided form.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

HABD previously accepted applications for a project-based waiting list, Southtown Family, which is a RAD property.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO
Closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program provides rental assistance for homeless individuals. Those interested should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program
Closed

Partnered with the Alabama Regional Medical Center to assist homeless individuals. Interested individuals should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Closed

This program provides permanent housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. Veterans must be registered for VA services and contact Cortney Rankins at (205) 936-1365 for a HUD-VASH screening.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
MIMR
Pending

This Project-Based Voucher Program for individuals with mental illness at Metropolitan Gardens/Park Place Apartments requires referral from a mental health agency or doctor.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)
Pending

Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program is described, but specific waiting list status is not detailed.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Other (MIMR)
Pending

This Project-Based Voucher program assists families where the head of household has been classified as having a mental illness; applicants must be referred from a mental health agency or doctor for Metropolitan Gardens/Park Place Apartments.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
PBRA
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
SRO Program
Pending

This Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program is partnered with the Alabama Regional Medical Center. Interested individuals should contact the Alabama Regional Medical Center at (205) 370-1422.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Tax Credit
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
other
Pending

The Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program for homeless individuals is partnered with the Alabama Regional Medical Center; those interested should contact them at (205) 370-1422.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Public Housing Closed 10 hours ago
HCV Closed 10 hours ago
Public Housing Opened 5 days ago
HCV Opened 5 days ago
PBV Opening Soon May 18, 2026
Public Housing Closed Apr 13, 2026
Public Housing Opened Apr 10, 2026
VASH Closed Mar 20, 2026
SRO Closed Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 20, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 16, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 16, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
VASH Opened Feb 26, 2026
SRO Opened Feb 26, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 26, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 20, 2026
SRO unknown Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the Birmingham District portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1826 3rd Ave S
City Birmingham, AL 35233
PHA Code AL001
Section 8 Units 6,438
Public Housing Units 4,313

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority of the Birmingham District currently has 1 open waiting list (Homeownership). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $47,950/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the Birmingham District portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District manages approximately 10,751 assisted housing units (6,438 Section 8, 4,313 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Birmingham. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

Homeownership open

The Homeownership program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Birmingham. This program serves approximately 6,438 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Birmingham. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District manages approximately 4,313 Public Housing units in Birmingham. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Birmingham maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

SRO closed

The SRO program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program closed

The SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Birmingham. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

MIMR closed

The MIMR program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mod Rehab closed

The Mod Rehab program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (MIMR) closed

The Other (MIMR) program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBRA closed

The PBRA program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO Program closed

The SRO Program program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Tax Credit closed

The Tax Credit program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

other closed

The other program at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the Birmingham District administers 16 programs (Homeownership, HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, SRO, SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program, VASH, MIMR, Mod Rehab, Other (MIMR), PBRA, SRO Program, Tax Credit, other) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1826 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the Birmingham District depend on demand in Birmingham, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 10,751 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on June 1, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the Birmingham District directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, including Tarrant Housing Authority (4 mi), Fairfield Housing Authority (7 mi), Jefferson County Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Alabama and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Alabama.
How do I contact Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
You can reach Housing Authority of the Birmingham District by phone at (205) 521-0679. Their office is located at 1826 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233. You can also email them at dfoster@habd.net. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the Birmingham District?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $95,900). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $47,950. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,950. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $20,150 $33,600 $53,700
2 Persons $23,000 $38,400 $61,400
3 Persons $26,650 $43,200 $69,050
4 Persons $32,150 $47,950 $76,700
5 Persons $37,650 $51,800 $82,850
6 Persons $43,150 $55,650 $89,000
7 Persons $48,650 $59,500 $95,150
8 Persons $54,150 $63,300 $101,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $95,900 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.