FAQs

How Do I Apply?

Applications are accepted by telephone only during regular business hours at (623) 930-2199 (TDD (623) 930-2197). However, we do not accept them all the time. Periodically, we close the application process so we do not get more names on our waiting list than we can assist in a reasonable time.

The (623) 930-2199 line is used to accept applications only. This line does not ring at an employee's desk at any time other than when applications are being taken.

For application information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 623-930-2180, after making your language choice, English or Spanish, option 3 will forward you to recorded application information.   We place an announcement on the line three weeks before opening for applications. It will give the date and time we will begin taking applications and for which program. Feel free to call the number as often as you wish to listen to the recording to check for updated information. We do not take walk-in requests for applications.

When applications are accepted, some basic information will be taken over the telephone and an application will be mailed to you. This application is stamped with the time and date of the telephone request.

Persons with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation in completing an application may call CHD to make special arrangements to complete their application. A Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available. The TDD telephone number is (623) 930-2197 or 800-367-8939.

Note - CHD maintains two separate waiting lists for Public Housing and Section 8. Applying for one program does not automatically place your name on the other.

How does the application process work?

The application process begins when you call the application line when we are taking applications. We will take your name and address over the phone and mail you an application. When you receive your application, you will need to complete it and return it to CHD within two weeks. This application asks for some basic information that will be used along with the date and time of your telephone request, to determine your place on the waiting list.

Also, when CHD receives your completed application, the names of all family members listed on the application who are age 16 and older will be submitted to local law enforcement for a criminal background check. If this initial check comes back without any concerns, your name will be placed on the waiting list, and you will receive a letter that contains your wait list numbers. This letter should be kept in a safe place at all times, as you will need this number to check your place on the waiting list.

If your initial background check requires additional information, you will be asked to come to the CHD administrative office to be fingerprinted. Your fingerprints will be sent to the FBI for an extensive background check. This can take three months or longer.

Once approved through the background check, your name will be placed on the waiting list based on the number of preference points you receive and then by the date and time of your telephone call to the application line.

Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee you will be eligible for housing assistance.
You will be placed on the waiting list according to the number of preference points you receive, and then by the date and time you called in for the application.

Preference points are given based on the information you supply on the application, up to a maximum of 25 points.

Glendale residents who are displaced by government action can receive up to 30 points.

What are preferences?

Preferences are criteria that must be met in order to receive housing assistance from CHD. They are given a point value, and depending upon how many preferences you meet, will determine how many points you receive.

Preference points are assigned based on the information you supply on the application.

• Residency preference – 15 points if you: Live in Glendale, work in Glendale or are hired to work in Glendale. (Non-Resident: If you do not live or work in Glendale, you will receive NO points for this preference.)
• Working Preference - Up to 10 points. To qualify: You must be currently employed. Glendale residents who are employed receive points based on how long they have worked:
  • 5 years or more - 10 points
  • Less than 5 years - 0 points
• Elderly/Handicapped/Disabled - Glendale residents who are handicapped, disabled or 62 years of age or older are automatically given the 10 points for the working preference. For purposes of qualifying for low-income housing, any family member who is disabled will qualify the family under this category.
• Glendale residents, whose head of household is active military personnel will be given 10 points for the working preference.
• Displaced by Government Action or Disaster - 15 points: Glendale residents who are displaced by government action will be considered for special admission. Admission under this preference will be considered at all times, whether the waiting list is open or closed. Persons or families who meet the definition of displaced by government action will be admitted to the wait list using the ranking preference, “displaced by government action or disaster.”
• General Information - The more points you have, the sooner you will receive assistance. Names are not pulled from the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. Names are pulled based on the number of points. If a family or individual applies after you, but has more points than you, they will receive assistance first.

Preferences will be verified at your eligibility appointment.

All applicants and family members over the age of 16 must be screened for criminal history. You could be fingerprinted.

What is the difference between Public Housing and Section 8?

Public Housing is city-owned and city-managed.  Glendale Housing operates and maintains 155 public housing apartments in three rental communities.  This program requires applicants to live in one of these rental communities.

Section 8-rental assistance provides a rent subsidy to eligible families and individuals, allowing them the same open market rental choices as non-subsidized renters.  This program gives applicants the ability to look for their own housing.

I 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, as well as the availability of housing assistance.

How does Glendale Housing decide whom to assist from the waiting list?

Glendale Housing uses local preferences to place names on the waiting list.  When you complete the application, you are asked to respond to questions that will determine your preferences.  Points are awarded for preferences claimed.  Your preference points will be totaled, and you will be placed on the list according to the number of points and then the date and time of your application.  Names will be taken in the order they are on the list.

What are Glendale’s preferences?

Glendale Housing will select families based on the following local preferences and the date and time of the application submitted by the family:

Glendale residents – (a physical address in Glendale is required.);

Glendale residents displaced by government action or disaster;

Persons currently working or hired to work within the city limits of Glendale.

** Applicants 62 years or older, or receiving Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Disability or any payments based on inability to work, will be given benefit of the working preference.  For purposes of qualifying for low-income housing, any family member who is disabled will qualify the family under this category.

** Applicants who are active military personnel will be given the 10 points for the working preference.

Do I have to be a city resident to receive housing assistance in Glendale?

Yes.  However, this is just one of our preferences to receive housing assistance in Glendale.  A post office box in Glendale is not sufficient proof of residency.  A physical residence in Glendale is required.  If you are not a resident, you must be working in Glendale, or hired to start working in Glendale.  The City of Glendale Community Housing will assist Glendale residents before non-residents.  If you are a non-resident, you will not receive enough points to receive assistance in Glendale.

Where am I on the waiting list?

Glendale Housing provides applicants with their number on the waiting list.  When you apply, you will receive a letter from us with a date/time application number on it.  You should keep this letter in a safe place as it contains your waiting list number.  You can come to the office with the letter to look up your name on the printed waiting lists available in the lobby during office hours.  If you do not have your application number, bring a photo ID to the office during regular business hours and staff will look it up for you. We cannot provide this information over the telephone.

I am a person with disabilities; will I get housing more quickly?

Persons who are handicapped, disabled, or elderly receive the maximum amount of points available for the working preference.  They are then placed on the list according to date and time of the application.

I have a landlord who is willing to rent to me under the Section 8 program; can I get a Voucher immediately?

No.  We assist families on the waiting list according to local preferences and date and time of application.  You must be on the waiting list and then wait until your name is selected and you are determined to be eligible.

I am homeless; can you help me?

Unfortunately, Glendale Housing does not have emergency housing or shelters.  We will refer you to local agencies that may be able to provide emergency shelter and assistance.

My family is soon to be evicted; how can you help?

Unfortunately, Glendale Housing does not operate emergency housing.  We can refer you to local agencies that may be able to provide emergency assistance. 

I have applied for one program; can I apply for other program?

Yes!  Each program has its own waiting list.  However, it is important to understand that applying for one program does not mean you have applied for both.