Public Housing Applications From the Reading Housing Authority
The Reading Housing Authority runs Public Housing, federally funded rental apartments where rent is based on what the household earns, and all of its waiting lists are closed right now. Public Housing is one of several Federal Rental Assistance Programs established and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, older adults and persons with disabilities. Under Public Housing, rents are based on income and the balance of the rent is subsidized by HUD.
The Public Housing Waiting List is currently closed. The Housing Choice Voucher Program and Affordable Housing waiting lists are also closed. The Authority does not say when any of them will open again.
When a list does open, applications are invited regardless of income, and income is not required, so you may apply even with no income. You may also apply if you have a criminal background; everyone who makes the waiting list goes through the Authority's screening process to determine final eligibility. You cannot apply for Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program at the same time, because they are two separate programs administered by the same authority. The Authority will not deny any family or individual the opportunity to apply for or receive assistance under the public housing program on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, family or marital status, handicap, or disability.
Applications are submitted online on the Authority's website, readingha.org. The Authority announces the opening of the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists ten days before it starts accepting applications. Announcements go on the Authority's website and Facebook page, in the Reading Eagle, in a Spanish-language publication when one is available in service to the jurisdiction, and by press release to local social service agencies.
Applying does not guarantee a place on a list. Because demand for housing assistance is high, the Authority may use a lottery-based selection process if it receives more applications than 18 months of predicted unit availability, so not all applicants are placed on a waiting list. Once a household is on a list, preference is applied to a veteran or veteran family who meet the standards set in accordance with PA Law P.L. 2903, No. 188, and to a family who lives in the City of Reading, defined as residing within the perimeters of the Reading School District.
After you apply, you can check your status and make changes by logging in at portals.readingha.org with the credentials you used to apply. "On List" means you are on the wait list; "Removed" means you are not. When your name comes to the top of the list, the Authority contacts you by phone or email to begin the eligibility process, and you will be required to submit your family's most current information to establish eligibility.
Expect a long wait. The Authority accepts enough applications to anticipate a wait within 18 months, but applicants placed on a waitlist may sometimes wait more than 18 months for an available unit, because availability depends on when current households leave the program.
The Authority does not provide any emergency housing. If you need a place to sleep tonight, are in the process of losing your housing, or have income but cannot find a rental, the Authority points to the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness at bceh.org for emergency shelters, tenant rights and housing locator services.
The Reading Housing Authority office is at 400 Hancock Boulevard, Reading, PA 19611. For general questions, call (610) 775-4813 or email info@readingha.org. Office hours are not listed.
Source: readingha.org/apply-overview, read September 18, 2026.
The details
In Reading Housing Authority’s words
Public Housing is one of several Federal Rental Assistance Programs established and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the older adults and persons with disabilities.
En español: la página del proveedor →
Organization
Reading Housing Authority
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from readingha.org/apply-overview. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.