Becher Court is one of several properties for those interested in living in project-based housing. (Photo provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee)
Editor’s note: The headline of this story has been updated to make clear that the waitlist is specifically for project-based housing.
The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, or HACM, has opened its waitlist for those interested in living in project-based housing, which includes Section 8.
This list opens every few years as space becomes available in the city’s public housing projects.
What you need to know about the waitlist
Eligible applicants must be adult Wisconsin residents with total household incomes no more than those indicated below.
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons |
| $29,350 | $33,550 | $37,750 | $41,900 |
| 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
| $45,300 | $48,650 | $52,000 | $55,350 |
Those who pre-apply will be contacted via email to fill out the official online application. After they do that, they’ll be called in order of when they applied once space becomes available for them. Officials say it is important to note that this waitlist is different from that of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list. The Section 8 program offers rent subsidies to people living in privately owned housing and the housing projects are owned by the city. The Section 8 list is not open for applications now.
We talked with Amy Hall, the communication coordinator for HACM, to answer questions about the process.
How long should people wait to hear from you after filling out the online pre-application before they reach out?
HACM is calling people back as space becomes available. The list was opened because it was getting low, but people can be on the list for around two years before getting a call.
You’re applying to apply. Once space becomes available, they reach out to you and you then go through the actual application process.
Is there a best time of day to call?
A staff member will call you. They communicate with renters at times that work best for them.
How long is the application process?
Once the required information is returned, the application process is quick. However, there is no way to determine how long someone will be on the waitlist.
What housing developments are on the list?
- Becher Court, 1800 W Becher St., 53215
- Cherry Court, 1525 N. 24th St., 53205
- Convent Hill, 455 East Ogden Ave., 53202
- Highland Gardens, 1818 W. Juneau Ave., 53233
- Holton Terrace, 2825 N. Holton St., 53212
- Lapham Park, 1901 N. 6th St., 53212
- Merrill Park, 222 N. 33rd St., 53208
- Olga Village, 722 W. Washington St., 53204
- Victory Manor, 5556 N. 68 St., 53218
- Westlawn Gardens, 6236 W. Birch Ave., 53218
How can people make this process easier for themselves?
Provide the following and understand that you will receive an email to fill out the full application — and then a call when and if space becomes available.
– First and last names of all household members.
– Dates of birth of all household members
– Mailing address
– Social Security number
– Phone number (including area code)
– Email address
Does meeting the eligibility guidelines make someone immediately available for funds?
No. You can be eligible. However, if you do not verify eligibility through proper sources, you may not receive assistance.
Can you apply to a particular project, or is it just an application to be in the program?
This is just an application to be in the program.
Is there anything else people should know?
Pre-applications are being accepted at waitlist.hacm.org. This type of assistance subsidizes the cost of housing at the specific housing developments listed above.
PrincessSafiya Byers was born and raised in Milwaukee, and is a 2020 graduate of Marquette University, majoring in Journalism and Africana Studies. Her commitment to her community has led her to nonprofit work with local youth and families. She’s also interned with the Milwaukee Community Journal and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and joins Milwaukee NNS as a Report for America Staff Reporter looking to serve democracy by covering issues important to the community.
- How students of color are becoming the agents of change in Milwaukee public schools - October 28, 2020
- ‘When you’re hungry, you’re not thinking about school’: Emergency fund provides lifeline to MATC students - October 20, 2020
- Milwaukee opens waitlist process for project-based housing. Here is what you need to know. - October 14, 2020
Nice article! I’ve passed by many of these facilities and always wondered about them. Many have extremely good locations. However, I am a little confused about which program is associated with the information in this story. The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) has programs for: family housing, senior housing, adult disabled housing, veteran supportive housing and affordable-market-rate housing.
Also, I notice quite a few HACM properties are not on the list. Since prospective tenants do not apply to a particular property and since the wait list may be several years, I wonder why.