What is the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing?
I’ve just submitted my application, how long will I have to wait for help?
Where am I on the waiting list?
Do I have to be a city resident to be assisted?
How old must I be to live in your senior housing?
I used to live in housing, can I come back?
What if I don't have any children, can I still get housing?
I am under the age of 18 years old, can I get a place?
I am a person with disabilities, will I get housing more quickly?
I am a veteran of the U.S. Military, will this help me obtain housing?
Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance?
I live in an OHA-owned housing unit and have a maintenance problem, what do I do?
Who do I call to report loud noise on OHA property?
My Housing Manager is not responsive, who do I call?

What is the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing
The Conventional Public Housing program provides rental assistance to low and moderate-income families and individuals. The Housing Authority owns and manages all rental units offered under this program, which is located in neighborhoods throughout the city of Oakland. The Section 8 Program enables eligible persons to rent privately owned, existing, safe and sanitary housing by making housing assistance payments to private landlords. back


I've just submitted my application, how long will I have to wait for help
There is not a simple answer to this question because an applicant’s wait will depend upon the preferences they qualify for, in addition to the date of their application. In general, an applicant’s wait for assisted housing may be months to several years.


Where am I on the waiting lists
OHA does not give out numbers on the waiting list, simply because your position fluctuates as new applicants are added and others are taken off the waiting lists.


Do I have to be a city resident to be assisted
No. However, OHA does give a preference to those persons on the waiting list living or working in Oakland.


How old must I be to live in your senior housing
62 years of age or older. back


I used to live in housing, can I come back
You are welcome to apply again for housing assistance when our wait list opens. Any back balance owed must be paid before you can be approved and your prior rental history with us will be checked.


What if I don't have any children, can I still get housing
Yes, we have housing available for single adults and seniors.


I am under the age of 18 years old, can I get a place
To qualify you must be 18 years or older, or be emancipated by the Court system.


I am a person with disabilities, will I get housing more quickly
Persons with disabilities are given a priority and will be housed before other single persons under the age of 62.


I am a veteran of the U.S. Military, will this help me obtain housing
Yes. With proper verification, a veteran, spouse or widow of a veteran, will be granted an additional preference. back


Do you have emergency housing or emergency assistance
Unfortunately, OHA does not operate emergency housing or emergency subsidy. We were established to provide long term affordable rental housing.


I live in an OHA-owned housing unit and have a maintenance problem, what do I do
Contact the Maintenance Call Center at (510) 587-5130.


Who do I call to report loud noise on OHA property
Contact the OHA Police Department at (510) 535-3100.


My Housing Manager is not responsive, who do I call
You should contact the appropriate District Manager. For East District, contact Sandra Malvo at (510) 777-4181. West District, contact JW Jackson at (510) 874-1536.



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