Alexander City Housing Authority

About This Building

Public Housing Programs: Rental Apartments Overview of Public Housing Apartments The ACHA oversees a total of 477 public housing apartments spread across four different locations. These apartments are available for various groups such as families, individuals, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Applications for housing can be obtained either in person at 2110 County Road, Alexander City, AL or downloaded from our official website. Please note that applications will only be accepted by appointment. To schedule an appointment, you can either do it at the time of application pickup or by calling the Alexander City Housing Authority office at (256) 329-2201. It is crucial to ensure that the application is fully completed and all necessary documents are submitted for a successful acceptance and processing. Kindly note that applications will not be accepted via mail. Ensuring Safety with Security Services Providing safe communities is a top priority for the ACHA. To achieve this, we have a highly trained investigative/security unit working diligently seven days a week for twelve hours a day. They actively patrol the neighborhoods to ensure that each resident can enjoy the utmost safety. Our investigative unit works closely with the City Police Department and the County Sheriff's Department to protect and assist residents whenever needed. Additionally, they help remove individuals who disrupt the peaceful atmosphere within our neighborhoods. By choosing to live in our communities, you are aligning yourself with friends committed to maintaining a safe environment. Detailed Property Information Springhill Community - A total of 160 apartments available - Constructed in 1969 - Consists of one and two-story buildings - Offers apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms - Provides four fully handicapped accessible units - Additional facilities include a youth and adult services facility, playground, central heating and air conditioning, and all-electric connections Gunter Circle - Contains 50 apartments exclusively for senior citizens - Construction completed in 1969 - Comprises one-story buildings - Apartments available in one and two-bedroom configurations - Features a senior citizen community center, laundromat, central heating and air conditioning, and all-electric connections Jefferson Heights Community - Consists of 77 apartments - Built in 1983 - Majority of units designated for senior citizens - One, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments available - One-story buildings with six fully handicapped accessible units - Offers a community center, central maintenance facility, playground, laundromat, central heating and air conditioning, and all-electric connections Laurel Heights Community - Comprises 190 apartments for both seniors and families - Construction completed in 1969 - Consists of one and two-story buildings - Offers a youth and adult services center, playground, and three fully handicapped accessible units - Provides central heating and air conditioning, and all-electric connections Housing Voucher Program Eligibility and Information for Applicants and Residents Introduction to the Housing Choice Voucher Program Through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, low-income families can receive housing assistance in the private rental market. This program allows rental voucher holders to select a unit from the private rental market, making affordable market-rate housing more accessible. Program participants contribute up to 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities, while the housing assistance payment subsidizes the remaining balance to the property owner. Determining Eligibility To qualify for a rental voucher, the Alexander City Housing Authority (ACHA) assesses eligibility based on total annual gross income and family size. The program is limited to U.S. citizens and select categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status. The family's income must not exceed 50% of the area median income, which varies by location and is published by HUD. The ACHA will provide income limits specific to your area and family size. During the application process, the ACHA will verify family income, assets, and composition with local agencies, employers, and banks. This information is essential in determining program eligibility and the rental assistance amount. Application Process, Property Search, and Lease Terms Upon determining eligibility, the ACHA will either add your name to a waiting list or assist you immediately. Once issued a rental voucher, you can search for suitable housing units within your community's private rental market. The units must meet the housing quality standards established by HUD and the ACHA to ensure decency, safety, and sanitation. The ACHA will inspect the chosen unit to verify its suitability. After it passes inspection and the rent has been approved, you and the landlord will sign a lease for an initial term of one year. The ACHA and the landlord will then sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract to assist with rent payments. You will be responsible for the monthly difference between the total rent and the housing assistance payment. Flexibility and Continuity The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows families to move without losing their rental assistance. You can notify the housing authority in advance, terminate your existing lease under the appropriate provisions, and find suitable alternate housing. New voucher holders have the option to select a unit anywhere in the United States if they have resided under the jurisdiction of the current housing authority for at least 12 months while receiving assistance. Relocation to another housing authority's jurisdiction requires consultation with the current housing authority to understand the moving procedures. Lease Terms and Assistance Renewal The initial lease period is one year, after which the lease renews on a month-to-month basis. If you choose to vacate the unit once the lease expires, you must provide proper notice. If you decide to remain in the unit, your eligibility will be recertified annually, and the unit will undergo an annual Housing Quality Standards inspection. Application Process To apply for assistance, please visit the ACHA main office. Alternatively, you can download the application from our website and either mail it or submit it in person at the main office.