Unlock Your New Home: How to Navigate Sacramento’s Affordable Housing Programs

Why Navigating Sacramento’s Housing Programs Matters

Sacramento low income housing application processes can feel overwhelming, but they’re your gateway to stable, affordable housing in one of California’s most vibrant communities.

Quick Answer: How to Apply for Sacramento Low Income Housing

1. Visit sacwaitlist.com – The official application portal for Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA)
2. Choose your program – Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or Public Housing
3. Complete the online application – Free, no charge ever
4. Check eligibility – Income limits vary by household size (e.g., $41,300 for one person for HCV)
5. Update your information – Notify SHRA within 30 days of any household changes

Note: The sacwaitlist.com portal is currently under system upgrade until September 22, 2025. The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is currently closed.

Finding stable housing is often the first and most critical step toward building a secure future. For veterans transitioning to civilian life, families working paycheck to paycheck, and individuals facing housing insecurity, Sacramento offers multiple affordable housing programs designed to help.

The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) manages these programs, assisting over 12,000 families through more than 3,000 affordable housing units. Whether you’re a veteran seeking your first civilian home, a single parent pursuing education, or someone working full-time but struggling with high rents, these programs exist to provide more than just a roof over your head.

LifeSTEPS partners with affordable housing communities across California to help residents not only obtain housing but also keep it. Through rental assistance and intensive case management, LifeSTEPS supports a 93% housing retention rate, helping families avoid evictions and homelessness. Services are designed around the whole person—connecting residents to financial coaching, mental health resources, health navigation, and education support so they can build long-term stability.

For households facing upfront housing costs, deposit assistance may be available when connected to the CalAIM program, which links healthcare and housing supports for people with complex needs. This integrated approach helps prevent cycles of crisis by stabilizing both health and housing.

LifeSTEPS also invests in long-term opportunity. Youth and young adults benefit from programs such as the Summer Reading Program—where 97% of participating students maintain or improve literacy—and a Scholarship Program that has awarded $2.1 million to help break generational poverty through higher education and training.

For older adults and people with chronic conditions, LifeSTEPS’ Registered Nurse (RN) Program helps residents safely age in place, reducing avoidable hospitalizations and saving approximately $1.1 million in annual healthcare costs per site. These onsite health supports work hand-in-hand with housing stability services to improve quality of life.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying for low-income housing in Sacramento. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, waiting list procedures, and your rights as a tenant—along with how wraparound services like those offered by LifeSTEPS can support you once you are housed. We’ll walk through each step in plain language, so you can steer the system with confidence.

Housing stability creates the foundation for everything else in life. With the right support and information, you can open up the door to your new home.

For more information about supportive services, you can contact LifeSTEPS at:
LifeSTEPS, 3247 Ramos Cir, Sacramento, CA 95827 | Phone: (916) 965-0110 | https://lifestepsusa.org.

Understanding Sacramento’s Key Housing Programs

In Sacramento, two primary programs help individuals and families secure affordable housing: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing Program. Both are administered by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) for the City and County of Sacramento. Their shared goal is to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and who does it serve?

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly known as Section 8, is the federal government’s largest program designed to help very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. This program provides housing assistance on behalf of the family or individual, not tied to a specific unit. This means participants are free to choose any housing unit in the County where the owner agrees to rent under the program and that meets program requirements. The HCV program serves a diverse group, including senior citizens, working families, single parents, and veterans. For instance, a single mother pursuing higher education or a veteran looking for stable housing can benefit significantly from this program.

Community-based organizations such as LifeSTEPS complement these housing programs by offering wraparound services that help residents remain stably housed. Through rental assistance and tailored case management, LifeSTEPS supports a 93% housing retention rate among participating households, helping residents weather income disruptions and avoid eviction.

How does one apply for the HCV program in Sacramento?

Applying for the HCV program in Sacramento is primarily done through the SHRA waitlist portal. You can apply online at www.sacwaitlist.com using any device with internet access and an email address. There is no charge to apply. The website also offers language translation options to ensure accessibility for all applicants. Alternatively, you may submit a request for assistance or a paper application by contacting SHRA directly.

What is the Public Housing Program and who does it serve?

The Public Housing Program provides affordable rental housing directly managed by SHRA. These units can include apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes, rented out to eligible tenants at affordable rates. SHRA manages over 3,000 affordable housing units within this program. It serves similar populations to the HCV program – very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities – who need direct access to affordable housing properties.

Once a family moves into public housing, supportive services can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. LifeSTEPS provides onsite and community-based programs focused on financial literacy, academic support for youth, and mental wellness resources, helping residents build skills and resilience that support housing stability and economic mobility.

How does one apply for public housing in Sacramento?

Similar to the HCV program, applications for Public Housing are typically submitted online via www.sacwaitlist.com. The process involves completing an online application, which is free of charge and can be translated into multiple languages. Paper applications can also be requested.

Eligibility and Income Limits

Understanding the eligibility requirements is a crucial first step in your Sacramento low income housing application journey. These criteria ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.

What are the eligibility requirements for the HCV program, including income limits?

To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher program, several factors are considered:

• Income Requirements: Your household’s income must fall within specific limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Sacramento County. For example, the maximum allowable income to qualify for HCV in Sacramento County for a family of 1 is $41,300. These limits adjust annually and vary by family size. You can find a full table of the most current income limits here: 2024 Income Limits for Sacramento County.
• Family Size: The number of people in your household impacts the income limits and the size of the unit you may be eligible for.
• Citizenship Status: While everyone has an equal opportunity to apply, and U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to submit an application, at least one family member listed on the application must be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant to be eligible to receive a voucher.
• Criminal History Review: SHRA conducts background checks for all adult household members (over 18). Convictions related to drugs, fraudulent, or violent criminal activity within the past three years may lead to further review. However, an individualized review of mitigating circumstances will be conducted before a final decision is made, and applicants have the right to appeal these decisions.
• Prior Rental History and Credit Status: SHRA evaluates rental and credit history, which may impact your ability to obtain assistance. However, staff makes every effort to work with applicants within program guidelines.

What are the income limits for public housing in Sacramento?

The Public Housing Program also has income limits, which are slightly different from HCV. For a family of 1 in Sacramento County, the maximum allowable income to qualify for Public Housing is $46,850. Like HCV, these limits vary by household size. For instance, for a 4-person family, the limit is $66,900.

What are the eligibility requirements for public housing, including citizenship and criminal history?

The eligibility requirements for Public Housing are largely similar to the HCV program:

• Income Limits: Your income must fall within the specified limits for Public Housing, as mentioned above.
• Citizenship Status: The program is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
• Criminal History: A background check is conducted on all household members over 18. Convictions for drug-related, fraudulent, or violent criminal activity within the past three years may lead to further review. An individualized review process is in place, and decisions can be appealed.
• Rental History and Credit Status: These factors are evaluated and can influence eligibility, with SHRA staff working to accommodate applicants within program guidelines.

Tenant-Based vs. Project-Based Vouchers

When applying for housing assistance, it’s helpful to understand the two main types of vouchers available through the Housing Choice Voucher program.

What are the differences between Tenant-Based Vouchers and Project-Based Vouchers?

Feature	Tenant-Based Vouchers (HCV)	Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
How assistance works	Voucher is attached to the household; you can move and take assistance to a new unit.	Voucher is attached to a specific unit; assistance stays with the property.
Choice of unit	Broad choice in the private market (unit must meet program standards).	You must live in the designated unit to receive assistance.
Supportive services	Often paired with community-based services like LifeSTEPS’ financial, health, and youth programs to support whole-person stability.	Frequently linked with onsite services; LifeSTEPS and similar organizations may provide wraparound support to help residents remain stably housed.

Understanding Sacramento’s Key Housing Programs

In Sacramento, two distinct programs offer essential support for individuals and families seeking affordable housing: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing Program. Both are managed by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), serving both the City and County of Sacramento. Their collective aim is to help very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities secure decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and who does it serve?

The Housing Choice Voucher program, widely recognized as Section 8, is the largest federal initiative dedicated to assisting very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities in finding affordable housing within the private rental market. This program provides direct housing assistance that is tied to the family or individual, not a specific property. This means participants have the freedom to choose any rental unit in Sacramento County that meets the program’s standards and where the landlord agrees to participate.

The HCV program serves a broad spectrum of individuals and families who are income-eligible. This includes:

• Senior citizens living on fixed incomes.
• Working families who, despite employment, struggle with high rental costs.
• Single parents pursuing education or raising children.
• Veterans experiencing homelessness or seeking stable housing after service.

LifeSTEPS and other community organizations work alongside these programs to help residents achieve lasting stability. Through rental assistance and individualized case management, LifeSTEPS supports a 93% housing retention rate, helping households stay current on rent, navigate benefits, and build emergency savings.

How does one apply for the HCV program in Sacramento?

Applying for the HCV program in Sacramento is a crucial step toward securing affordable housing. The primary method is through the SHRA waitlist portal. You can submit your Sacramento low income housing application online at www.sacwaitlist.com. This online platform is accessible from any device with internet access and requires an email address. There is absolutely no charge to apply, and the website offers translation into multiple languages to ensure everyone can access the information. If you prefer, you can also submit a request for assistance or a paper application by contacting SHRA directly.

What is the Public Housing Program and who does it serve?

The Public Housing Program provides affordable rental housing units that are directly owned and managed by SHRA. These units encompass various types, including apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes, all rented to eligible tenants at affordable rates. SHRA proudly manages over 3,000 such affordable housing units, assisting more than 12,000 families across Sacramento. This program serves similar populations as the HCV program, focusing on very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities who need direct access to established affordable housing properties.

To help residents thrive in these communities, LifeSTEPS offers a whole-person, wraparound approach. Services include financial literacy coaching, referrals for mental wellness support, and onsite academic programs for children and teens. Deposit assistance, when available through the CalAIM program, can further reduce barriers to leasing for people with significant health and housing challenges by coordinating healthcare, housing, and supportive services.

How does one apply for public housing in Sacramento?

The application process for Public Housing in Sacramento largely mirrors that of the HCV program. You can submit your Sacramento low income housing application online via www.sacwaitlist.com. This online application is free, and the website supports multiple languages. If an online application isn’t feasible for you, paper applications can be requested.

Eligibility and Income Limits

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the bedrock of your Sacramento low income housing application journey. These requirements ensure that housing assistance is directed to those who qualify and are most in need.

What are the eligibility requirements for the HCV program, including income limits?

To be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher program, several key factors are assessed:

• Income Requirements: Your household’s total gross annual income must fall within the specific limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These limits are determined by the Area Median Income (AMI) for Sacramento County and vary depending on your family size. For instance, for a single-person household, the maximum allowable income to qualify for HCV in Sacramento County is $41,300 (as of 2024). For a family of four, this limit rises to $58,950. We encourage you to review the most current and detailed income limits, which are updated annually, by visiting the official HUD data page: 2024 Income Limits for Sacramento County.
• Family Size: The number of individuals in your household directly influences the applicable income limits and the size of the housing unit you may be eligible for.
• Citizenship Status: While all individuals have the right to apply, and U.S. citizenship is not a prerequisite for submitting an application, at least one family member listed on the application must be a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant with eligible immigration status to receive a voucher.
• Criminal History Review: SHRA conducts a thorough background check for all household members aged 18 and older. Convictions related to drugs, fraudulent activities, or violent crimes within the past three years may trigger a more in-depth review. SHRA employs an individualized review process, considering any mitigating circumstances before making a final decision. You always have the right to appeal these decisions.
• Prior Rental History and Credit Status: Your past rental history and credit standing are evaluated and can impact your eligibility. However, SHRA staff are committed to working with applicants within program guidelines to ensure fair consideration.

What are the income limits for public housing in Sacramento?

The Public Housing Program also has specific income limits, which are generally slightly higher than those for the HCV program. For a single-person household in Sacramento County, the maximum allowable income to qualify for Public Housing is $46,850 (as of 2024). For a family of four, this limit is $66,900. These limits, like those for HCV, are updated annually and vary by household size.

What are the eligibility requirements for public housing, including citizenship and criminal history?

The eligibility requirements for Public Housing largely align with those for the HCV program:

• Income Limits: Your household income must be within the specified limits for Public Housing, as outlined above.
• Citizenship Status: Participation in the Public Housing Program is restricted to U.S. citizens and specific categories of non-citizens who possess eligible immigration status.
• Criminal History: A background check is conducted for all household members aged 18 and over. Convictions for drug-related, fraudulent, or violent criminal activity within the preceding three years may lead to further review. An individualized review process is in place to consider all factors, and decisions can be appealed.
• Rental History and Credit Status: These aspects of your history are assessed and can influence your eligibility. SHRA staff strive to work constructively with applicants to steer these requirements.

Alongside these program rules, LifeSTEPS focuses on empowering residents once they are housed. Evidence-based youth programs such as the Summer Reading Program help ensure that 97% of participating students maintain or improve literacy, while a Scholarship Program that has awarded $2.1 million supports higher education and training for residents seeking better-paying careers. For older adults and those with complex health needs, the RN Program reduces avoidable hospital stays and saves approximately $1.1 million in healthcare costs per site each year, helping people safely age in place.

Tenant-Based vs. Project-Based Vouchers

When exploring housing assistance options, it’s beneficial to understand the distinctions between the two primary types of vouchers available through the Housing Choice Voucher program.

What are the differences between Tenant-Based Vouchers and Project-Based Vouchers?

Feature	Tenant-Based Vouchers (HCV)	Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Portability	Follows the household; you can move and keep assistance if you follow program rules.	Stays with the specific unit; if you move, the assistance remains with the property.
Housing choice	Greater flexibility to choose from eligible rentals in the private market.	Limited to designated PBV units that participate in the program.
Common supports	Often paired with community-based services like LifeSTEPS’ financial coaching, youth programs, and health navigation to support long-term stability.	Frequently linked with onsite supportive services; LifeSTEPS may provide wraparound, whole-person support to help residents maintain housing and improve health and financial outcomes.

For information about LifeSTEPS’ services in affordable housing communities, you can contact:
LifeSTEPS, 3247 Ramos Cir, Sacramento, CA 95827 | Phone: (916) 965-0110 | https://lifestepsusa.org.