Frequently Asked Questions

What is public housing?

Public housing is a program funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which provides affordable rental opportunities for eligible low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities. SMHA owns and operates 2,370 units of public housing ranging in size from efficiencies, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms, and 5 bedrooms. SMHA’s mission is to provide eligible residents of Stark County with quality affordable housing in decent, safe, and nourishing neighborhoods.

How do I know if my family is eligible for the Public Housing Program?

The Public Housing Program strives to provide affordable housing choices for families who meet the income eligibility requirements established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most individuals or families who receive Social Security, SSI, or TANF benefits will qualify. Working individuals and families may also qualify if their gross income is equal to or below the income limits established by HUD.  HUD updates the income limits every year. They are based on the total annual income and total number of people in the household.

How do I apply?

Families wishing to apply for housing with Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) can access the online application by going to the SMHA website at www.starkmha.org.

  • Start by clicking on the “Click here to apply for housing” tab located in the upper right corner of the webpage, you will be taken to the online application page of the SMHA website.
  • Then click “apply for housing” again in the lower middle of screen after the page reloads.
  • Then select “applicant login” in the top right corner on the next page. Then select “click here to register” under the “login” area and select “I do NOT have a registration code.” Then follow the prompts to set up your profile and get on the waitlist.
  • Your username will be your email, then choose your password and follow the steps to enter your basic information to set up a profile.
  • Input each person’s information that will be residing in your household and the respective income of each person aged 18 and over. This is called the “pre-application” stage.
  • You can choose as many waitlists as you like, just please be advised that SMHA will only pick one property from all your selections, so make sure it is a place that meets your location needs. Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority has seven waitlists, which are:
    • NE Canton, NW Canton, SW Canton, SE Canton, Massillon, Alliance and Stark County.
  • For those who need assistance completing an online application, appointments are available at the SMHA Central Office located at 400 Tuscarawas St E. Canton OH 44702, or an online application can be completed over the phone with an SMHA Intake Specialist.

How does the application process work?

  • All applicants are screened for eligibility for the Public Housing Program.
  • When your application reaches the top of the waiting list, it will be selected for final eligibility screening. You will be contacted by mail at that time and required to submit the documents needed for SMHA to verify eligibility for you and your household.
  • Applicants will then be contacted for a brief phone interview to review the application and discuss program requirements. After this review is completed, the applicant will receive a notice of approval or denial.
  • When a unit becomes available, SMHA Intake Specialists will contact applicants to offer them the available unit.

How will I know when I am chosen and have reached the top of the waitlist?

When your name reaches the top of the waitlist, SMHA will send you a waitlist briefing letter by mail to the postal address listed in your online profile. You will not receive this notice by email unless you have indicated that you do not have a mailing address.

You may use any address where you can reliably receive mail, including the address of a trusted friend or relative. If you do not have a postal address, you may leave the address section blank and check the “No Mailing Address” box. In that case, your briefing letter will be sent only by email, so please check your email regularly.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep SMHA updated on any changes to their mailing address or contact information. Applicants can update their information online at any time.

I am Homeless, Do You Offer Emergency Housing?

  • No. SMHA does not offer emergency housing. All SMHA housing is waitlist only, and the wait time can range from a few months to more than a year.
  • If you are experiencing homelessness and need emergency housing, you may contact the Homeless Hotline at 330-452-4363. Additional local resources can be found at com, or you may reach out to the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. at 330-453-SAFE for assistance.
  • Most counties have their own public housing authority. You are welcome to apply to multiple waitlists in other counties. SMHA only serves areas within Stark County.

 My status says “On List” or “Selected.” What does that mean? I still haven’t heard anything.

  • If your status says, “On List,” it means you have not yet been selected from the waitlist. Please make sure all of your contact information is up to date so SMHA can reach you when your name is chosen.
  • If your status says “Selected,” it means you have been chosen from the waitlist and will receive your briefing letter by mail (or by email if you did not provide a mailing address) within 10–14 business days. The letter will include instructions and a list of the documents you must submit for your household.

I received an error message stating that my Social Security number or email has already been used on a Stark Metropolitan Housing account. What should I do?

This message indicates that an account associated with your information already exists in the system. To regain access:

  • Log in to your existing account.
    If you do not remember your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
  • Follow on-screen instructions.
    You may be prompted to click a verification link sent to your email or copy and paste a registration code that appears on the screen. Completing these steps will allow you to access your existing account.

If you continue to experience issues accessing the account, please contact Stark Metropolitan Housing for further assistance.

How do I add or remove someone from my application?

To update your household members, follow the steps below:

  • Log in to your account.
    In the “I Want To” menu, select “Update Application” and click “Go.” You will be guided through several prompts until you reach the section regarding household size.
  • To add a household member:
    • On the household member page, select “Add Household Member.”
    • Enter the required information.
    • You may use the green Add Household Member button to include additional individuals as needed.
  • To remove a household member:
    • Click the “Delete” button next to the individual’s information.
    • Confirm the removal if prompted.
    • The system may also request that you reconfirm the remaining household members.
  • Submit your updates.
    After making all changes, continue through the prompts and click “Submit” to finalize your updates.

What type of unit will I get? Will it be a house?

Unit types vary and may include duplexes, triplexes, apartments, single-family homes, or other eligible housing options. We are unable to guarantee a specific type of unit. The unit you are offered will depend on what is available at the time you reach the top of the waitlist. Once your file is selected, you will be offered the unit that is available at that time.

How Do I Get a Scattered Site?

Scattered site units are included across various waitlists. Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority does not offer a dedicated waitlist specifically for scattered sites during the pre-application phase. If a scattered site unit is available at the time you are selected from a waitlist, you may be offered one.

How many unit offers will I receive?

Applicants will receive one unit offer. During the application process, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred geographic location within Stark County. The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) maintains seven separate waiting lists based on these geographic areas.

Because you pre-select your preferred area when applying, SMHA will only make unit offers from housing developments located within that chosen area. As a result, you will receive only one offer based on the availability within your selected geographic location.

What happens if I turn down an offer ?

Because applicants are able to choose which waitlists they join, each household receives one unit offer. If you decline that offer, your application will be removed from the selection process. You will need to reapply to the waitlist and wait to move back up based on your new placement.

How much will my rent and deposit be?

Rent is calculated individually for each household. Amounts are determined using a HUD-approved calculation that factors in your total household income minus allowable deductions. In most cases, residents pay approximately 30% of the total household income for all individuals aged 18 and older who are listed on the lease. Rent and deposit amounts may vary based on these calculations.

How long will I be on the waiting list?

SMHA cannot provide a specific wait time for public housing placement. Several factors influence how long an applicant remains on the list, including the number of applicants requiring the same bedroom size and the volume of applicants assigned to each of the seven geographic waitlists.

Additionally, SMHA may conduct an annual purge of the waiting lists to confirm continued interest. Applicants may be contacted to verify their need for housing. Those who do not respond will be removed from the waitlist and must reapply if they wish to be considered again.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to keep their contact information up to date. Changes to your address or other contact details can be made at any time by updating your application online.

What are the basic steps involved in the application process?

Reaching the Top of the Waitlist
When your name reaches the top of the waitlist, you will receive a briefing letter requesting that you submit required documents. After your documents are received, you will be provided with the full application to complete and will be scheduled for a phone interview.

Eligibility Review
Following your phone interview, your application will be reviewed for approval or denial. This review includes two background checks:

  • A criminal background check
  • A check to determine whether you owe any financial debts to any public housing authority or Section 8 program in the United States

If your application is denied, you will receive a denial letter at the mailing address listed on your final application (or by email if no mailing address was provided). Follow the instructions in the letter if you wish to appeal the decision.

Applicants who are denied housing have the right to request an informal hearing with SMHA. If you wish to appeal the decision, you must submit a written request for a hearing within ten (10) days of receiving your denial letter.

 SMHA

Attn: Application Hearing Request

400 Tuscarawas Street East

Canton, OH 44702

Approval and Waiting for a Unit
If your application is approved, you will not receive an approval letter. Instead, you will remain in approved status while waiting for a unit to become available. Due to the high volume of applications and other factors, SMHA cannot guarantee a specific timeframe for when a unit will be offered after approval.

I’ve been on the waitlist for over a year but haven’t heard anything? What should I do?

Several factors may contribute to a longer wait time. You may be on a combination of a geographic waitlist and bedroom size that is currently in high demand. If desired, you may add yourself to additional waitlists. However, you should only select waitlists that match your household’s geographic preferences. When your name reaches the top of a waitlist, SMHA will offer the next available unit in that specific area. If you decline the offer, you will be removed from the waitlist and will need to reapply.

Additionally, please ensure your mailing address and phone number are always up to date in your online profile. It is the applicant’s responsibility to maintain current contact information to avoid missing important notices or requests from SMHA.

 Can I call to check the status of my application?

You do not need to call to check your application status. You can view it at any time by logging into your online account.

  • If your status shows “On List,” it means you have not yet been selected. Please ensure your contact information is up to date, so your briefing letter is sent to the correct address when your name is reached.
  • If your status shows “Selected,” it means you will receive your briefing letter within 10–14 business days by mail (or by email if no mailing address is provided). The letter will include instructions and a list of documents your household must submit.

Keeping your online profile current will help ensure you receive all important updates promptly.

What documents do I need to apply for public housing?

When you reach the top of the waitlist, you will receive a briefing letter outlining the specific documents required for your household. Please refer to that letter for the most accurate and personalized instructions. In general, the following documents are typically required:

  • For all household members:
    • Birth certificates
    • Social Security cards
  • For all applicants age 18 and older:
    • A valid government-issued photo ID
    • The last two paystubs (if employed)
  • Additional documentation:
    • Social Security recipients must provide a current-year award letter.
    • Self-employed applicants age 18 and over must request and complete a Self-Employment Income Form from Stark Metropolitan Housing.
    • Government-issued state IDs are available at no cost at the DMV with proper documentation; however, standard driver’s licenses still require fees.

Important: Do not submit any documents until you have officially reached the top of the waitlist and received your briefing letter requesting them. Ensure all documents submitted are clear, legible, and complete.

How Do I Submit Documents Once I have reached the top of the waitlist and received my waitlist briefing letter?

  • By postal mail
  • 24-hour drop box in the back of the building.
  • In person at 400 E Tuscarawas St. Canton OH 44702. Please note if you come in person, our hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

What if I miss my deadline to submit documents once I have been selected on the waitlist.

It is very important to keep your mailing address and phone number up to date in your online profile. All notifications are sent by postal mail unless no mailing address is provided. You may list a trusted friend or relative’s address if needed. If you do not have a mailing address, leave that section blank and use an email address instead—our system sends notices to either postal mail or email, not both. If a mailing address is on file, the notice will be sent by mail only.

If you do not respond to the briefing letter by the deadline, you will be removed from the process and must reapply if you wish to continue with public housing.

I have a pet (or pets)- is that allowed?

The deposit is $250 per pet. These policies are in place unless there is a reasonable accommodation.

What Happens Once I am Offered a Unit?

After you accept a unit and move in, several important steps and responsibilities follow:

  • Property Management:
    Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) becomes your landlord. Your assigned property manager will handle all property-related issues moving forward.
  • Utilities and Tenant Responsibilities:
    Tenants are responsible for paying rent and electricity. You will be required to provide proof that electrical service has been placed in your name before moving in. Some properties, typically one-bedroom or efficiency units—may include all utilities.
  • Lease Compliance and Future Referrals:
    It is in your best interest to follow your lease and maintain a positive rental record with SMHA. The Authority may provide rental references to private landlords when you decide to move to non-public housing. Private landlords frequently contact SMHA for tenant referrals.

If you have additional questions about the move-in process, your property manager can assist you.

I saw a vacancy at one of your sites, or my friend/relative notified me that there is a vacancy in their area or complex, can I move in?

No. All units are filled strictly from the official waitlist. Public housing applicants cannot choose a specific unit. Once your completed application packet is approved and your name reaches the top of the waitlist for your selected geographic area, the housing authority will offer you the next available unit in that area.

Are all the HUD properties in Stark Country owned by Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority?

No. While SMHA manages a number of HUD-assisted properties, there are many other property owners and management companies throughout Stark County that also operate HUD-funded housing. You are welcome to apply to any of these properties. Please note that each management company or property owner has its own application process, requirements, and deadlines. You will need to contact each property directly to learn more about their specific procedures.

I need a reasonable accommodation (I can’t use stairs / I have a service animal, etc.) You may request reasonable accommodation (R/A) paperwork after your application has been approved. Once you make the request, SMHA will send you the necessary forms to complete. A third-party professional—such as a doctor or other qualified provider—must verify your need for the accommodation.

After you submit the completed paperwork, the SMHA Legal Department will review your request. Once the review is complete, you will be notified in writing regarding whether your accommodation has been approved or denied, along with any relevant details.

I just made updates today and now I can’t get back in?

Each time you click “Save” after making updates to your application, your account is temporarily locked so that an intake specialist can review and approve the changes. Because of this process, it may take up to one full business day before you are able to log back in again. Once the updates are approved, your access will automatically be restored.

When can I move into my unit and sign my lease?

As outlined in the application process, you will be offered a unit once one becomes available in your selected waitlist area. After you receive a unit offer and sign the offer letter, it may take several weeks before you can move in.

SMHA often approves applicants before the unit is fully ready so that a resident is already assigned once the unit is completed. You will be contacted with move-in and lease-signing instructions as soon as the unit is prepared for occupancy.

Are There Any Services for Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority Residents?

Yes. SMHA residents have access to a variety of programs, resources, and community partnerships, including:

  • YMCA membership discounts
  • Events and programs offered in collaboration with community partners, such as summer lunch programs, financial literacy and credit-building seminars, home-buying workshops, and more
  • Care packages containing hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and baby essentials

Additional programs may be offered throughout the year. Please check SMHA’s website for updated information and opportunities.