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Policy updates
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Frequently asked questions:
The PorchLight Housing Center accepts applications for the Low Income Public Housing and the Seattle Senior Housing programs. To apply for either program, you may pick up an application at PorchLight or download an application (available in six languages). You may also request an application via mail by calling 206-239-1737. Another program, the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), which provides vouchers to low-income families to subsidize their rents from private landlords, is administered at the PorchLight Housing Center. Program staff maintain a waiting list for this program. Through April 8, 2008, you can enter a lottery to try for a place on this waiting list. Click here for more information. Please tell us if you need assistance of any kind to access our services, and let us know if you need special features in your housing. (For example, we can provide large print materials, wheelchair accessibility, customized interviews, and housing in specific locations.) If you need an interpreter or a translator, tell us, and we will provide one for you. We will meet every effort to meet your needs. Are pets allowed in SHA properties? Pets are allowed in most properties. Small dogs, cats, birds and fish are allowed in Low Income Public Housing properties. Cats, birds and fish—sorry, no dogs—are also allowed in some SSHP buildings. How do I submit my pre-application? You can submit your pre-application in person at PorchLight or by mail or online. We cannot accept pre-applications by fax. When we receive your pre-application form, we will add your name to the waiting list or lists you selected, and send you a confirmation letter. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within six weeks of submitting your pre-application, please contact us. When filling out your pre-application, be sure to fill in every field, printing neatly in ink. If your pre-application form is incomplete, incorrect or hard to read, we may return it to you for correction before we add you to any waiting list. How do I change my address with SHA? You must tell us in person or in writing of any change in your address. To submit a change of address in person, visit the PorchLight Housing Center and fill out a change of address form. Otherwise, write a brief letter that includes your name, Social Security Number, previous address and new address. Fax this letter to 206-239-1770, or mail it to: Seattle Housing Authority, PorchLight Housing Center 907 NW Ballard Way, Suite 200 Seattle WA 98107-4637. Please note that changing your address with the United States Postal Service does not change your address with us. You must update us separately. May I add or remove others from my application? You may add or remove people from your application by submitting the change in writing to PorchLight. Please include your name and Social Security number and the information to be changed. Adding or removing people may affect your eligibility for some units. If the change affects your eligibility for a unit of a certain size (as measured by the number of bedrooms), you will be moved to the waiting list for the correct unit size. Your date of application stays the same. How do I cancel my application? You may cancel your application at any time by writing to PorchLight. When cancelling your application, please include your name and Social Security number and the program(s) for which you applied. Yes. Even if you can prove that you need housing, SHA is required by federal law and regulations to refuse assistance if you do not qualify. Does SHA verify personal information? Yes. At various stages of the application process, SHA will verify all sources of your income, your credit records, your criminal history and your residential history. SHA will not share your personal information with others. How long does it take to get housing? The wait for housing varies depending on the size of your family. Even with a waiting list preference, your wait could exceed one year. Which waiting list should I choose? To apply for Low Income Public Housing, applicants must choose one or two Low Income Public Housing properties. Applicants will then be added to the waiting list for that property or those properties. You may not be offered the exact unit size you expect. May I change my waiting list choices later? Yes, you may switch waiting lists. If you switch, your date of application will change to the date you made the switch. How do I apply for housing at High Point, NewHolly or Rainier Vista? Applicants for the public housing units at the mixed-income communities of High Point, NewHolly and Rainier Vista must earn 30 percent of area median income or less. (All three communities also feature other kinds of units, including market rate rentals and other affordable housing options.) Applicants must undergo a screening process that evaluates residential, credit and criminal history. To apply, for housing in one of these communities, please call or visit the management offices, which are open Monday through Friday at the times listed.
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