Home

Housing Assistance

McDonough County

Public Housing in Macomb

Public Housing in Bushnell

Rural Development Property in Bushnell

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Residents Only

Newsletters

Trespass List

Board of Commissioners

Housing Assistance

How does it work?

Congress enacted the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 which established the Public Housing program. The goal of this program has always been to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income families. As a result, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) were established to develop, own and manage low-income housing.

The Housing Authority of McDonough County (HAMC) was established in 1941. The HAMC manages two properties in Macomb, three properties in Bushnell, and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program throughout McDonough County.

Much of the HAMC income is federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The balance of income needed to run a public housing property comes from resident's Dwelling Rent.

Public Housing is highly regulated through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are many rules a Housing Authority must follow to stay within the regulations. The Housing Authority is responsible for ensuring applicants and residents follow the rules as well.

There is a waiting list for each of our properties therefore, an application is required. Click onto the How to Apply link to access an Eligibility Application. The completion of the Eligibility Application and our receipt of required documentation is the first step to attaining housing assistance. When an applicant comes to the top of the waiting list, a Final Application interview is conducted. Once the Final Application is approved, an opportunity for an apartment at one of our properties is offered.

Dwelling Rent is calculated based on household income from documentation provided at application. Family composition is updated each year. Depending on which Rent Calculation the family chooses, Dwelling Rent is either updated annually, or every 3 years.

The Section 8 Multi-Family Program Rural Development is federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The balance of income needed to run a rural development property comes from resident's Dwelling Rent.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a program that encourages self-sufficiency. The Voucher Program provides rental assistance to an independent landlord with whom the applicant and the Housing Authority contract. Dwelling Rent is calculated based on household income from documentation provided at application. If you are interested in this program, please contact the HAMC office.