Frequently
Asked Questions
(with Answers)
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What does
the Housing Authority do?
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Who does
the Housing Authority serve?
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Will
subsidized housing bring down the value of my property?
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How much rent is paid by families that the Housing
Authority assists?
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How does
the Housing Authority pay for these programs?
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Are
Housing Authority residents responsible for the upkeep of their homes?
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How can a landlord evict a Section 8 participant who is
not a good tenant?
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How can
someone apply for housing assistance and how long is the wait?
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Who
qualifies as an “Alameda resident”?
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How is
“senior” defined?
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How is “veteran”
defined?
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Is
emergency housing assistance available?
-
I am on the Housing
Authority’s waiting list. When will I get housing?
-
How can I
contact the Housing Authority?
1. What does the
Housing Authority do?
The Housing Authority mission is: “In partnership
with the entire community, to advocate and provide quality, affordable safe
housing; encourage self-sufficiency; and strengthen community inclusiveness and
diversity in housing.”
To that end, the Authority owns and manages 12
housing complexes and seven condominiums for very-low and low-income residents.
Currently, the Authority provides more than 550 families with housing. The
Housing Authority also assists approximately 1600 very-low income families
through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
The Housing Authority works with the City of Alameda
to increase the supply of affordable housing. It is difficult to add affordable
housing in Alameda. Housing prices in the Bay Area are extremely high and there
is very little buildable land available. In the last 10 years, the Authority has
added seven condominiums, a five-unit complex, a four-unit complex, and a
26-unit complex to its supply of rental housing. Lower-income residents have
purchased another six units developed by the Housing Authority. The addition of
condominiums, units owned by non-profit organizations, complexes with some
market rate units, and homeownership units where the Authority continues to own
the land, shows the creativity used to expand the supply of affordable housing
in this community. back
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2. Who does the
Housing Authority serve?
Most of the people served by the Housing Authority
are Alameda residents. All age groups are represented in the family housing
complexes. In addition, the Housing Authority owns three senior complexes and
seven condominiums for seniors. All racial and a large number of ethnic
categories are represented. Income ranges also vary considerably.
In order to be accepted into the Section 8 programs,
applicants must have incomes that are at 50 percent or lower of the median
income for our area. For example, the very-low income amount for a family of
four is $41,900 (2007). The number varies depending on the number of people in
the household. These numbers are adjusted from time to time. For current
amounts, call the Housing Authority.
While many residents rely on social security (about
12%), others are working and nearing the time when they can leave subsidized
housing. About half of Housing Authority tenants and Section 8 participants are
employed. Many are veterans. back
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3. Will subsidized housing
bring down the value of my property?
Those involved in affordable housing developments
are aware of the NIMBY attitude that rises up to fight proposed low-income
housing projects. This “Not In My Back Yard” opposition to low-income housing
is often a major obstacle to the creation of affordable housing. Homeowners
often espouse the NIMBY viewpoint that affordable housing is a threat to
property values. This viewpoint is a reaction to the stereotype that low-income
housing has acquired.
According to the California Redevelopment
Association (CRA) and contrary to NIMBY claims, no study in California has ever
shown that affordable housing developments lower property values. Indeed,
several studies have demonstrated that well-designed and well-managed projects
actually increase surrounding property values. Affordable housing projects, if
well managed, well designed, and well constructed can be assets and enhance
their communities. The evidence indicates that NIMBY beliefs regarding
affordable housing are not supported by facts — their fears are unfounded.
Most researchers in the field of affordable housing
agree that well-designed and appropriately managed projects dispel community
concerns that any negative impact will occur; instead, such projects help to
improve communities’ images. The Housing Authority of the City of Alameda
agrees that housing design, appearance, and the needs and desires of community
residents are key to the success of any affordable housing project in this
community. back
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4. How much rent is paid by
families that the Housing Authority assists?
It varies. In general, Section 8 and public housing
families pay approximately 30 percent of their adjusted gross income. The
Housing Authority makes up the difference between that amount and the contract
rent on the unit the family is renting. Other programs have fixed rents that
are set below market rate. back
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5. How does the
Housing Authority pay for these programs?
Nearly all Housing Authority tenants pay rent. Of
course, this rent does not pay the entire cost of these units; therefore,
additional sources of funding are needed. This funding comes primarily from the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through federal
housing program allocations, appropriated by Congress. Additional funding is
obtained through tax increment funding from the Alameda Community Improvement
Commission. back
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6. Are Housing
Authority residents responsible for the upkeep of their homes?
Just like any other apartment dweller, residents of
Housing Authority units are required by their lease agreements to maintain their
units at the same quality level as market-rate units. Trained Authority staff
performs annual inspections to ensure that residents and landlords participating
in the Section 8 Program comply with the Authority’s policies and program
requirements. back
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7. How can a landlord evict a
Section 8 participant who is not a good tenant?
The landlord can evict a Section 8 tenant for the
same reasons a tenant not on Section 8 can be evicted; for example, non-payment
of rent, lease violations, or a need to use the property for other purposes. back
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8. How can
someone apply for housing assistance and how long is the wait?
The Housing Authority is not accepting applications
at this time. The Housing Authority opened its Section 8 waiting list in 2003.
Since then, the waiting list for other affordable housing units have been opened
as needed. Waiting list openings are always advertised in local newspapers and
on this web site. back
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The wait for housing assistance for those persons
currently on the waiting list varies with the individual circumstances. For some
families, the wait may be many years. back
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9. Who qualifies
as an “Alameda resident”?
Anyone who lives or works in the city of Alameda at the time of
applying for housing assistance is considered to be an Alameda resident. back
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10. How is
“senior” defined?
A senior is a person 62 years of age or older. back
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11. How is “veteran”
defined?
A veteran is an individual who has served in the
active military service of the United States and received a discharge other than
a dishonorable discharge. This preference also is given to surviving spouses. back
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12. Is emergency
housing assistance available?
No emergency housing assistance is available through
the Housing Authority. Individuals in need of emergency assistance can be
referred to the Midway Shelter, 522-2936 or the Alameda Chapter of the American
Red Cross, 814-4200.back
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13. I am on the Housing
Authority’s waiting list. When will I get housing?
The wait for housing assistance varies. If you have one of the
Housing Authority’s preferences, such as being a veteran or an Alameda resident,
you will be closer to the top of the list and will receive assistance sooner
than someone near the bottom of the list. The wait for some families could be
several years. back
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The Housing Authority will contact you when you are nearing the
top of the list. If you want more specific information about your individual
circumstances, please contact the Housing Authority. back
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14. How can I
contact the Housing Authority?
The Housing Authority’s address is 701 Atlantic
Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501-2161. You also may contact us by telephone (510)
747-4300; the TDD number is 522-8467; and our FAX number is (510) 522-7848.back
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