Mason City Housing Authority

The mission of the Mason City Housing Authority is the same as that of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: To promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.

The Mason City Housing Authority (MCHA) was established in 1976 to meet the housing needs of low-income families, elderly and disabled residents of the City of Mason City, Iowa.

Section 8 Voucher Rental Assistance Program/ Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers

MCHA currently assists up to 459 households in the Section 8 Voucher Rental Assistance Program and 35 Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers. This program assists homeless Veterans. For initial eligibility of the VASH program only please call the office at 641-421-2711. MCHA does not administer any public housing projects.

The MCHA administers these programs with funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The jurisdiction of MCHA is inside the corporate city limits of Mason City.   

See below on how to apply for assistance for any of the above programs

                       



How to Apply for the Mason City Housing Authority Program                                           

Online Applications

Preliminary applications are now being accepted online.  The application process can be done entirely online or paper applications will still be accepted, and are available at 103 East State Street, Suite 506 Mason City, Iowa 50401. 
To apply, you can click below:
Apply Now

What happens after you receive my Preliminary Application?

Applications are marked with date and time when submitted online or received in the Mason City Housing Authority office.  Applications received by mail are dated the day received and or opened. Applications are then reviewed for determination of apparent eligibility and applicants are notified within three weeks of their status.
You will not be required to upload any documents until you reach the top of the waiting list, to prepare please request a Birth Certificate, and a Social Security Card (now) if you do not have one.

When can I expect a response to my application?

If you applied online applicants should verify the application status is "active" within 2 weeks of applying. 
If you applied by paper application once your application is reviewed you will be mailed a conformation card to the mailing address you provided on the paper application. Please hold on to that card until you reach the top of the waiting list.
To check online application status click the link below:
Application Status


How long will I be on the Waiting list?

Currently the wait list for our program is approximately 6-9 months for applicants who can claim the residency preference. The residency preference means that you live or work here in Mason City. If you do not meet our preference requirements you will remain on our non-preference list until you can prove your residency. 

You are required to keep your address current while you are on the waiting list. If you fail to keep your address current and any mailing from this office is returned to sender, or you do not provide us with an alternate contact, you will be removed from the waiting list, and you will have to reapply again. If your address changes please notify our office as soon as possible.

What if I am Homeless, or I need immediate assistance?

The Mason City Housing Authority is not an emergency housing program. Funding for the Mason City Housing Authority is intended for individuals who have established residency or work with in the city limits of Mason City. 

What if I am a Homeless Veteran?

Please contact our office at 641-421-2711 to determine your eligibility for the VASH Voucher Program.