Our Mission

The Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer’s mission is to provide drug free, decent, safe and sanitary housing for eligible families; to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low-income families who cannot afford to pay market rents, and to provide educational opportunities and promote self-sufficiency and economic independence for all residents.

Our Goals

  • Expand the supply of assisted housing
  • Increase assisted housing choices
  • Promote self-sufficiency and asset development of households.
  • Expand environmental “Green” improvements.
  • Ensure 504 with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
  • Continue to partner with the City of Bessemer to ensure comprehensive social and economic development.

Our History

The Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer was established in February 1960 focusing on much needed public housing for low income families. This rental assistance program is governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Authority places strong emphasis on family self-sufficiency with the goal of becoming independent and building better lives for themselves. As a public service agency, BHA is committed to serving its residents and the public by providing superior services.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer manages 812 public housing rental units at four (4) AMPS and administers 473 Housing Choice Vouchers and 70 Veteran Administration Supportive Housing (VASH) Section 8 vouchers, In addition, the Housing Authority has a 120 unit Senior Complex. The first of the developments was built in 1960 and the last was built in 1998. The Housing Authority manages 254 units at 2 (two) AMPs of Project Based Section Housing through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) because of various changes in federal housing policy. It is imperative that the Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer engage new comprehensive strategies to accomplish its mission.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer has created relationships with agencies, organizations and city officials. Through this partnership, we hope to realize our goal of improving the lives of our residents and the future of our community.

Overall, the Housing Authority of the City of Bessemer will develop a comprehensive, detailed, and ambitious housing plan for the coming years through teamwork. We are hopeful that many of the items will be set into motion, for the betterment of the Authority and the residents which it serves. Additional focus and attention will be on customer service and producing measurable improvement standards.