How the Housing Authority of Great Falls Works

What the Housing Authority of Great Falls does

The Housing Authority of Great Falls is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Great Falls, South Carolina. It owns and operates apartment complexes where residents pay rent based on their income, typically 30 percent of what they earn each month. The Authority also administers voucher programs that help people with low incomes rent from private landlords in the community.

The Authority is not a landlord in the traditional sense—it does not buy or sell homes, and it does not make loans. Instead, it provides housing options and rental subsidies to people who meet income limits. It answers to a local board of commissioners and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Key Takeaways

• The Housing Authority of Great Falls manages public housing apartments and rental voucher programs for people with low to moderate incomes.
• Rent in Authority-managed housing is typically set at 30 percent of your monthly income, not a fixed dollar amount.
• The Authority maintains a waiting list for both public housing and vouchers, and wait times vary depending on the program and current demand.
• You can contact the Authority directly to learn about current openings, income limits, and what documents you will need to provide.

Public housing managed by the Authority

The Housing Authority of Great Falls owns and operates apartment buildings throughout the city. These are not temporary shelters or emergency housing—they are permanent rental homes where residents can live as long as they meet the program rules and pay their portion of the rent on time.

Rent is calculated based on your household income. Most residents pay 30 percent of their gross monthly income as rent; the Authority covers the rest through federal funding. If your income changes, your rent amount adjusts accordingly. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease states otherwise, and you must maintain the apartment in good condition.

To live in Authority housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. Income limits change yearly and depend on family size. A single person's limit differs from a family of four. The Authority publishes current limits on its website or by phone.

Rental voucher programs

The Housing Authority also runs voucher programs that work differently from public housing. Instead of living in an Authority-owned building, you find a rental property on the private market—a house, duplex, or apartment owned by any landlord willing to participate. The voucher pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the difference.

The most common program is Section 8, formally called the Housing Choice Voucher Program. When you receive a voucher, you have the freedom to choose where you live within Great Falls, as long as the landlord agrees to accept the voucher and the unit meets housing quality standards. The Authority inspects the property before you move in and periodically afterward to ensure it is safe and habitable.

Like public housing, voucher rent is based on your income. You typically pay 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the remainder up to a maximum amount set by HUD. If the market rent is higher than the voucher amount, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Income limits and who can participate

Both public housing and voucher programs have income limits. These are set as a percentage of the area median income and change each year. Great Falls' limits are lower than those in larger cities, so a household that qualifies in one community may not may have access to in another.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and other regular payments. The Authority counts gross income before taxes. Some types of income—such as certain educational grants or temporary assistance—may not count, so ask the Authority which sources they include.

Citizenship or immigration status requirements vary by program. Public housing typically requires U.S. citizenship or may be able to access immigration status. Voucher programs have similar rules. The Authority can explain what documentation you will need to provide.

How to contact the Housing Authority of Great Falls

The Housing Authority of Great Falls is located at 1000 Edgewood Road, Great Falls, SC 29055. You can reach them by phone at (803) 797-3800 during business hours, Monday through Friday. They also accept inquiries by mail and may have a website with additional information and forms.

When you call or visit, ask about current waiting lists, income limits for your household size, and what documents to bring. The staff can tell you whether openings exist in public housing or voucher programs and explain the next steps. If you are currently homeless or in crisis, mention that—some programs prioritize urgent situations.

Bring or be ready to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), identification, and information about your household members. The Authority will explain what else they need before you can be added to a waiting list.

Waiting lists and timelines

Both public housing and voucher programs maintain waiting lists. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. In some communities, the wait is a few months; in others, it can be years. Great Falls' current wait times are available by calling the Authority directly.

Some waiting lists are open to new applicants at all times. Others close when the list reaches a certain length and reopen later. The Authority will tell you whether you can add your name now or whether you need to wait for the list to reopen.

Once your name reaches the top of the list and a unit or voucher becomes available, the Authority will contact you. You will have a limited time to respond and complete the process. If you do not respond, you may be passed over and moved to the bottom of the list.

Rules and responsibilities as a resident

Living in Authority housing or using a voucher comes with responsibilities. You must pay rent on time each month, keep the unit clean and in good repair, and follow all lease terms. You cannot engage in criminal activity, drug use, or violence. Violations can result in eviction.

If you live in public housing, the Authority is your landlord and can evict you through the court system if you break the lease. If you use a voucher, your private landlord can evict you, and losing your housing also means losing your voucher in most cases. Either way, an eviction makes it much harder to find housing in the future.

You are also required to report changes in your household—such as a new job, a family member moving in or out, or a change in income—to the Authority. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or loss of your voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing in Great Falls?

Wait times vary and change as units become available and new people apply. Call the Housing Authority of Great Falls at (803) 797-3800 to learn the current wait time for your household size. They can also tell you whether the list is open to new applicants.

What if my income increases after I move into Authority housing?

Your rent will increase to reflect your new income, typically 30 percent of your gross monthly earnings. You are required to report income changes to the Authority. If you do not report an increase, you may owe back rent or lose your housing.

Can I use a voucher to rent anywhere in Great Falls?

You can rent from any private landlord in Great Falls who agrees to accept the voucher. The unit must pass a housing quality inspection by the Authority before you move in. Some landlords refuse vouchers, so you may need to contact multiple properties to find one that participates.

What happens if I lose my job while renting through the Authority?

Report the job loss to the Authority as soon as possible. Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income or benefits. The Authority wants to work with you; hiding the change will only create problems later.

Is there a difference between public housing and a voucher program?

Yes. Public housing means you live in an Authority-owned building and the Authority is your landlord. A voucher means you find your own rental on the private market and the voucher helps pay the rent. Both have income-based rent, but vouchers give you more choice in where you live.