Since the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the Santa Ana Housing Authority, long waiting periods are common. In fact, SAHA will close its Waiting List on May 31, 2022 when it has more families on the list than can be assisted in the near future.
PHAs may establish local preferences for selecting applicants from its waiting list. For example, PHAs may give a preference to a family who is (1) homeless or living in substandard housing, (2) paying more than 50% of its income for rent, or (3) involuntarily displaced. Families who qualify for any such local preferences move ahead of other families on the list who do not qualify for any preference. Each PHA has the discretion to establish local preferences to reflect the housing needs and priorities of its particular community.
In the HCV Administrative Plan, the Santa Ana Housing Authority has established a local preference for U.S. military veterans and applicants who live or work in the City of Santa Ana. Veterans and families who live or work in the City of Santa Ana move ahead of other families on the Waiting List.