Bessemer Housing Authority

Public Housing

Bessemer Housing Authority's public housing program is a rental assistance program governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides housing assistance to low income families in multifamily dwellings, owned and operated by the BHA. Under the public housing program eligible applicants are assigned to one of our seven family public housing communities, our high-rise for the elderly. Families pay 30% of their adjusted annual income as rent. Public housing units range in size from efficiency to 5 bedroom apartments. Apartment size is determined by the number of family members who will live in the unit. Handicap accessible apartments are available for both families and individuals. We now operate 1466 conventional Public Housing Homes.

Applicant Screening for Public Housing

All applicants who apply for entry into public housing are reviewed by a selection panel. This panel is responsible for making recommendations to the Leasing Officer to accept or reject an applicant as a potential resident in Public Housing. The screening process includes, but is not limited to the following: Past performance in meeting financial obligations, especially rent; Record of neighbor disturbances; Record of destruction of property; Living or housekeeping habits at present or prior residence which may adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other residents; and A history of criminal activity, including crimes of physical violence to persons or property and other criminal acts which could adversely affect the safety or health of the residents.

Section 8

Section 8 is a Rental Assistance Program funded by HUD which subsidizes the rental of privately-owned property. Housing Authority's Section 8 Housing Assistance Programs include the Section 8 Housing Certificate Program, the Moderate Rehabilitation Program, the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Moderate Rehabilitation Program, and Project Self-Sufficiency.Our Section 8 Programs now cover 421 homes.