Mason City Housing Authority

It is important that you carefully read all instructions before submitting an application.  Please allow up to two weeks for processing before checking your status. The status of your application can be checked online at www.assistancecheck.com using the user name and pin number on your application's receipt.  Be sure to check the status to determine if your application is active or inactive.  You could be given an inactive status if the application is incomplete or you are ineligible.  If your status says active that means that you are currently on the waiting list. 

• Priority is given to applicants that 1) are being displaced from their Mason City home due to a government project, or 2) the household is a permanent resident of Mason City or is employed in Mason City.  Since these two items affect your placement on the waiting list, it is important to report changes in these items immediately.  Those changes can be made on line at www.assistancecheck.com.
• If you need to change your address or update your information on the waiting list, please send us all changes in writing. The current wait for applicants that have a preference is 4-6 months. The wait for applicants with no preferences is several years. As applicants report changes in preference status, it could result in your position on the waiting list being altered. While waiting on the waiting list for your name to come to the top of the list, please gather Birth Certificates, and Social Security cards for any persons listed on your application, as these items may hold you back from getting assistance if you have to order them. Other documents requested would be proof of current address, or Mason City check stubs, Food Stamp Notice of Decision, Bank Statement, and waiting list packet completely filled out and signed by head of house, and any persons 18 and older. 
• HUD also requires that at least 75% of the new admissions to the program have incomes that are at or below thirty (30%) of the area median income.  As a result, it may be necessary to also skip higher income families to meet this requirement.
• Homeless Veterans: This program assists homeless Veterans. For initial eligibility of the VASH program please call our office (641)-421-2711.