The waiting list for rental properties with the Jefferson City Housing Authority is at an all-time low, and staff is attributing it to the effects of COVID-19.
Michelle Wessler, Housing Authority executive director, said the department received an average of 70 applications a month in 2019. Last year, that number dropped to 40, and in the first three months of 2021, the average has been 24 applications.
"We just did our analysis of April and found that we have had an increase in April of applications that might put that average up a little bit higher," she said. "This will help because we had about 40, which is a substantial increase to what we've been receiving."
Wessler said safety concerns tied to COVID-19 are likely behind the drop in applications. For instance, access to the office is limited to appointment only, and the staff is split into two teams so not everyone is in the office on the same day.
"I really do think it's just a matter that we've restricted access to the building," Wessler said.
The Housing Authority runs about 1,000 low-income housing units between seven properties around town. Rent is normally 30 percent of the tenant's income.
Applying for the wait-list is the first step to get into housing, and employees run a criminal background check on prospective tenants.
When the Housing Authority hears a tenant is leaving, Wessler said, employees go to the wait-list, and applicants go through a second check to make sure they meet income requirements.
"We want people on that wait-list because usually by the time we get there, some people have to give their previous landlord 30 days notice," she said. "By having people on that wait-list, when we know something's becoming available, we can contact them ahead of time and ideally have it worked out."
Anybody who wants to get on the wait-list can call to schedule an appointment, come by the Housing Authority office at 1040 Myrtle Ave. to pick up an application or get one at jchamo.org.
Public housing includes one-, two- and three-bedroom rentals. Some properties have age requirements.
For a single person, salary requirements range from $26,850-$34,440 depending on the property. For a family of three, it ranges from $34,000-$44,280.
"With so many people worrying about eviction after the moratorium is lifted, we are surprised that our wait-lists are not longer," Wessler said. "Applicants are not disqualified if they were evicted from a former residence due to the failure to pay rent.
"Our programs are here to help you get back on your feet," she said. "Getting on the wait-list now will put people at the top of the list should they need housing in the future."