Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for either program, your annual gross income must be below the maximum income limits. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check, submit a complete and truthful application with all required documentation, and ensure they do not have any outstanding debts to other subsidized housing (unless a current repayment agreement is in place), along with meeting other criteria. 

You will need to fill out our application and check the program(s) you are interested in. The waiting lists are based on eligibility, the date of your application, and the number of preference points you have. You will be assigned a bedroom size based upon the ages and sex of the household members on your application.  

An applicant will receive preference points based on the preferences indicated in the application. It is your responsibility to provide documentation proving your eligibility for these points. Accepted forms of proof may include, but are not limited to, records from social service or local government agencies, DD214, reunification documents, domestic violence verification, and homelessness verification. 

This is a difficult question to answer because your place on the waiting list will depend on your need for housing and the needs of everyone else on the list. Applicants with higher preference points could advance ahead of you on the list.  

There is no accurate way to predict the length of time an applicant will have to stay on the waiting list. It depends on various factors, including preference points, the date the application was submitted, family size, the number of available vacancies, and when a suitable unit for your family becomes available. 

To receive rent assistance from the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission, you must first obtain a Section 8 Voucher. This can be acquired once you qualify for the Section 8 Program and your name reaches the top of the waiting list. 

No. If you are in need of emergency homeless services, you may contact the Community Action Agency at (906) 632-3363. For emergencies during non-business hours, dial 911. 

Yes. We allow (2) approved animals per unit. Residents must have written approval from the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission before moving an animal into the unit. There is a $100 one-time, non-refundable fee and monthly fee per animal. 

We accept payment via Cashier's Check, Money Order, Personal Check, or Online Payment using a credit/debit card. Cash payments are not accepted.