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Housing Authority FAQ's


What programs does the housing authority administer?

The Garden Grove Housing Authority is a division with the City of Garden Grove’s Community Development Department. We administer a federally funded program to provide monthly rental assistance to qualified tenants in privately owned housing. The program has been referred to as the “Section 8 Program”, but the actual name is the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The qualified tenant receives a voucher, which is used in a rental unit, provided the landlord agrees to participate in the program. We currently assist approximately 2300 families with their monthly rent. The Authority also administers a Family Self-Sufficiency program for it’s housing participants, which assists them towards economic self-sufficiency.

How can I apply for rental assistance?

The Housing Authority is not accepting applications at this time, due to its long waiting list. Applications are generally accepted during a limited time period and the opening date will be published on the website as well as in other media sources.

Why is the Housing Authority not taking applications for Rental Assistance?

The Housing Authority last opened for applications in 2010 and received approximately 17000 applications during a one-month period. Families were placed on a waiting list since the number of applications received far exceeded the available funding. We do not have an estimated date as yet, as to when we will be opening the waiting list again.

I have submitted an application, however I have been on the waiting list a long time. Can you tell me how much longer I will need to wait?

The Housing Authority is funded to help a limited number of families. At this time, we assist approximately 2300 households with their monthly rent. Roughly, 5-10 families leave the program each month, creating available vouchers for applicants on the waiting list. It is difficult to predict when these vacancies will occur and when funding will be available, therefore, we are not able to give you a definite answer as to how long the wait will be.

What are the eligibility criteria for Rental Assistance?
Renter families qualify based on their annual gross family income. They must qualify under federal income limit guidelines, which are adjusted annually. Families must qualify under the “very low” income category according to the number of persons in their household. The 2023 income limits are as follows:
1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons5 persons6 persons7 persons8 persons
$50,250 $57,400 $64,600 $71,750 $77,500 $83,250 $89,000 $94,750 
I have an emergency housing need, what do I do?

The program is not designed to assist families in a housing emergency. You may call #211 for information on emergency shelters or temporary housing referrals.

Notice of Right to Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable Accommodation Form