There is a local preference for applicants who live or work in Winchendon. There is also a preference for veterans and minorities. A priority is given to those who have a qualified housing emergency situation. The waiting lists are open for 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments.
Benefits for public housing tenants:
- Rent is based on income.
- Rent for the Federal and State Elderly program and the Federal Family program include heat, hot water, electricity, trash, lawn care, and snow removal. The rent is 30% of the household's monthly adjusted income.
- Rent for the State Family program does not include utilities, trash, lawn care, or snow removal. Depending on their income, Tenants pay 27% to 32% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. Most tenants qualify for fuel assistance.
- Public Housing tenants are able to take deductions against their rent.
- Federal Housing allows for a childcare deduction for work or education.
- State Housing allows for child support deductions, childcare deductions, medical deductions, and certain other educational expense deductions.
- State Housing allows for an elderly earnings exclusion. Any tenant 62 or older may have up to 20 hours of earned income at current minimum wages excluded from yearly earnings.
- Living in public housing often accesses other government programs for which tenants are income-qualified.
- All Public Housing tenants must qualify for housing with background checks, including criminal history checks and landlord verifications. This provides for a safer neighborhood for families.
- If there is a situation where neighbors are not "getting along", the Housing Authority offers mediation to all tenants as a means of resolution.
- The Housing Authority offers budget counseling to all tenants who choose to participate.
- The Housing Authority offers 24-hour, seven-day-per-week emergency maintenance service.