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About Eau Claire County Housing Authority

The Eau Claire County Housing Authority, located in Altoona, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, manages approximately 383 assisted housing units. These include 368 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 15 Public Housing units, providing vital housing assistance to eligible residents.

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, and other housing assistance programs are open for new applications. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is presently closed. Applicants interested in available programs should review eligibility requirements specific to each type of assistance.

Income limits apply to all programs. For instance, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the Eau Claire, WI MSA area must have an annual income of $51,600 or less to be considered eligible. Specific income limits may vary based on household size and program.

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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person, Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The waiting list is maintained by date and time of application, giving residency preference to applicants who live, previously lived, or work in Altoona; income limits apply, and the waiting list is purged every 6 months.

Low Income Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Dec 4, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Low-income housing applications are available for families.

Mainstream Voucher Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Dec 4, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Low-income housing applications are available for families.

Other (Low-Income Housing) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Dec 4, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Low-income housing applications are available for families.

Other Low-Income Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Dec 4, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Low-income housing applications are available for families.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

May 25, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units; after one year of occupancy, tenants may request a standard portable voucher.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person, Mail

Additional Notes

The Eau Claire County Housing Authority manages 36 public housing rental units in Altoona, including duplexes and one-bedroom units at Golden Acres 1; eligibility requires income within very-low-income limits and suitable rental history, and applications may be purged if two invitations are declined.

Senior Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Fairchild Senior Living is managed by the Eau Claire County Housing Authority.

other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Fairchild Senior Living is an 11-unit apartment building in Fairchild for eligible low-income households who are 55 or older.

Status History

PBV Opened May 25, 2026
Public Housing Opened May 17, 2026
Public Housing Closed May 12, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 27, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 23, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 17, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 15, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 8, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Eau Claire County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 227 1st St W
City Altoona, WI 54720
PHA Code WI193
Section 8 Units 368
Public Housing Units 15

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 Eau Claire County Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Eau Claire County Housing Authority currently has 10 open waiting lists (HCV, Low Income Housing, Mainstream, Other, Other (Low-Income Housing), Other Low-Income Housing, PBV, Public Housing, Senior Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Eau Claire County Housing Authority, 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 $51,600/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 Eau Claire County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Eau Claire County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Eau Claire County Housing Authority manages approximately 383 assisted housing units (368 Section 8, 15 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Altoona. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Eau Claire County Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority 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 Altoona. This program serves approximately 368 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Low Income Housing open

The Low Income Housing program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Altoona. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open

Mainstream Vouchers at Eau Claire County Housing Authority 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.

Other open

The Other program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Altoona. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other (Low-Income Housing) open

The Other (Low-Income Housing) program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Altoona. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Low-Income Housing open

The Other Low-Income Housing program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Altoona. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Eau Claire County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Altoona. 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 open

Public Housing units at Eau Claire County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Eau Claire County Housing Authority manages approximately 15 Public Housing units in Altoona. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Senior Housing open

The Senior Housing program at Eau Claire County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Altoona. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

other open

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Eau Claire County Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Eau Claire County Housing Authority administers 10 programs (HCV, Low Income Housing, Mainstream, Other, Other (Low-Income Housing), Other Low-Income Housing, PBV, Public Housing, Senior Housing, 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 227 1st St W, Altoona, WI.
How long is the wait at Eau Claire County Housing Authority?
Wait times at Eau Claire County Housing Authority depend on demand in Altoona, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 383 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on May 25, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Eau Claire County Housing Authority 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 Eau Claire County Housing Authority, including Altoona Housing Authority (1 mi), Eau Claire Housing Authority (3 mi), Chippewa County Housing Authority (9 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Wisconsin and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Wisconsin.
How do I contact Eau Claire County Housing Authority?
You can reach Eau Claire County Housing Authority by phone at (715) 839-6240. Their office is located at 227 1st St W, Altoona, WI 54720. You can also email them at nicole.benson@eauclairecounty.gov. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Eau Claire County Housing Authority?
Income limits for Eau Claire County Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Eau Claire, WI MSA (currently $103,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $51,600. 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.

Eau Claire County Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Eau Claire County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Eau Claire, WI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,600. 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 $21,700 $36,150 $57,800
2 Persons $24,800 $41,300 $66,050
3 Persons $27,900 $46,450 $74,300
4 Persons $32,150 $51,600 $82,550
5 Persons $37,650 $55,750 $89,200
6 Persons $43,150 $59,900 $95,800
7 Persons $48,650 $64,000 $102,400
8 Persons $54,150 $68,150 $109,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $103,200 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.