Links, Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs.
HHI Management Company has put together a list of answers to questions we are commonly asked. We hope to update this continually to better serve our applicants, and familiarize you with the Ottawa County and Allegan County Supportive Housing Programs. (updated May 28, 2024)
I AM INTERESTED IN RENTING AN APARTMENT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Please contact HHI Management Company and request an application. Applications are available to be mailed or emailed; or you may pick one up at our Holland office. You may request an application online by completing the form at the top of the Available Apartments Page. Forms with your original signatures are required to process your application. Faxed or emailed copies of your completed application cannot be accepted.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY APPLICATION IS TURNED IN?
Once we receive your application, we will review the information to determine if we are able to place your name on the waiting list. Due to the amount of applications we receive, and the processes we must go through to determine household eligibility, the initial intake of your application can take up to 2 weeks. It is normal that we do not communicate with you during this process. You will receive a letter once your name is placed on the waiting list, however we are unable to provide applicants with a position/status number. If there is any missing information and/or document(s) still needed, you will receive an incomplete application notice. If your application is complete, then your name will be placed on the waiting list.
IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
The waiting list is open for all apartment locations whether or not there are available apartments. The waiting list length varies for each location and apartment size.
WHAT IS MY STATUS ON THE WAITING LIST?
HHI Management Company is unable to provide applicants with a position/status number. We can only verify that your application has been received, and that you are currently on the waiting list for housing. HHI Management Company will not send status updates to those on the waiting list. Your name will remain on the waiting list unless you specifically ask to be removed OR if we are unable to contact you within a two-week time frame when there is an available apartment you may qualify for. Please be sure you have provided management with a current phone number and valid mailing address as this will be used in all our mailings to you.
WHAT IF MY ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER CHANGES?
You may update your contact information at any time by contacting our office in person, by phone, or email.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY NAME COMES TO THE TOP OF THE LIST AND THERE IS AN APARTMENT AVAILABLE?
You will receive a letter requesting that you schedule an appointment to update your application and complete the required paperwork for the next step in the application process. During this appointment, HHI Management Company will gather required information from you in order to further determine your eligibility for the housing program. No apartments are leased at this first appointment.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE DECISION ON MY APPLICATION?
HHI Management Company contacts all applicants by mail. The initial intake of your application can take up to 2 weeks. It is normal that we do not communicate with you during this time. If, after reviewing your application, there is information and/or document(s) still needed, you will receive an incomplete application notice. Once we have a completed application, your name will be placed on the waiting list. You will receive a letter once your name is placed on the waiting list. The waiting list confirmation letter is not a guarantee that housing will be granted to you. Please be sure you have provided management with a current and valid mailing address as this will be used in all our mailings to you. You may update your contact information any time by contacting our office by phone 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113 or email HHI@heritagehomesinc.org.
IF I APPLIED AT THE SAME TIME AS SOMEONE ELSE AND THEY RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT LETTER ALREADY, SHOULDN’T I HAVE RECEIVED ONE TOO?
Not necessarily. Though you may have applied at the same time as someone else, your placement on the waiting list may be different from theirs. Placement on the waiting list is determined by the date your complete application is received, your household size, and the type of apartment which you qualify for. Your preferences and eligibility may be different from the apartment unit that is available or advertised.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APARTMENT?
The wait is dependent on a number of factors, such as, your location preferences and the program requirements for the apartments that are available. Program requirements vary for each county we serve and may vary by apartment unit. While we may have an apartment available to rent, you may not qualify for the type of program it falls under. The wait time is dependent on when current tenants move out and the quantity of available apartments; this amount of time varies and is unpredictable.
I NEED AN APARTMENT NOW, ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS FOR EMERGENCIES
No. HHI Management Company must follow the same procedures for all applicants and comply with federal guidelines for accepting applications and managing the waiting list. All applicants follow the same application process and must wait their turn on the waiting list. Other area agencies may be able to help with immediate emergency assistance. Please contact 2-1-1 for more information on emergency housing services in your area.
IF MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED, MAY I APPLY AGAIN IN THE FUTURE?
Yes, you may re-apply at anytime by submitting a new application and all required information. Please contact HHI Management Company to request a new application to be mailed or emailed to you, or you may request an application online at the top of the Available Apartments page. Applications are also available at our office in Holland.
DO YOU HAVE ANY APARTMENTS AT OTHER LOCATIONS? WHAT APARTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RENT?
For information regarding available apartments in either Ottawa County or Allegan County, please contact our office by phone 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113 or email HHI@heritagehomesinc.org.
WHAT IS THE MSHDA PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER (PBV) RENTAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM?
The MSHDA - Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is one of the federal government’s largest housing programs helping low-income families find affordable housing. Project-Based Rental Assistance Programs provide subsidies that are assigned to particular developments to make up the difference between market rents and what a low-income tenant can afford based on their income.
HOW MUCH IS THE RENT FOR PBV APARTMENTS?
For the Ottawa County and Allegan County Supportive Housing Apartments, Project-Based recipients are required to contribute 30% of their income for rent and pay their own gas and electric utilities. The voucher pays the rest of the rent, up to a limit set by the state or local housing agency administering the program in the area where the housing is located.
WHAT IS THE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT (LIHTC) PROGRAM?
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is an affordable housing program for individuals and families on fixed or lower incomes. Each resident is responsible for the full amount of rent each month. The rental amount is NOT based on your individual household income, rather rent is determined by the pre-set income limits in the county.
HOW DOES THE HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROGRAM BENEFIT RESIDENTS?
The benefit to residents in such housing is living in an apartment with lower rent than market rate.
HOW IS THE LIHTC PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER HOUSING PROGRAMS?
This program is not a subsidized housing program. Each resident is responsible for the full amount of rent each month. The rental amount is NOT based on your individual household income, rather the pre-set income limits for the area. However, it is also important to note that some apartment units in the same building may have Project Based Rental Assistance and rent for those units would be based on individual household income.
HOW MUCH IS RENT FOR THE LIHTC PROGRAM APARTMENTS?
Tax Credit rent is based on the average income in your county or other local area. This average is the "Area Median Gross Income" (AGI) which HUD updates every year. Your actual yearly income matters when it comes to determining if you qualify for an apartment at a tax-credit property, but the actual rent you pay is not based on income. Rents are based on the number of bedrooms in the unit, and differ between Allegan and Ottawa Counties.
Allegan County Rental Amounts: one-bedroom rent, $405/mo. two-bedroom rent, $493/mo. (West Fennville $523/mo.) three-bedroom rent, $538/mo.
Ottawa County Rental Amounts: one-bedroom rent, $566/mo. two-bedroom rent, $668/mo. three-bedroom rent, $751/mo.
These amounts are current as of January 2024 and are subject to change at anytime. Please contact management for current Tax Credit rent amounts.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THE LIHTC PROGRAM?
For HHI Management to make this determination, we will need to conduct the following: (1) Review your application, and interview with you and any other adult household members to determine all income and asset sources. (2) Verify all income and assets through the appropriate source(s). It is your responsibility to assist HHI Management with this step and to provide all the necessary information, such as address and contact information to expedite this process. (3) Calculate your total household income using the information provided by your income and asset source(s). The program requirements are specific to the county you are applying in, the apartment complex itself and the individual apartment unit you are applying for.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED ABOVE. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If you still have unanswered questions, please contact our office by email at HHI@heritagehomesinc.org and your email message will be forwarded to the appropriate person for response; this is usually the quickest way to receive a response. You may also contact us by phone at 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113. If you reach the voice mail system, please clearly state your name, phone number and the question you would like answered. Due to the high volume of calls received daily, we ask you to be patient with receiving a call back. Calls regarding your wait time will not be returned. If you do not receive an email or phone response timely, please contact Nicole at 616-395-9311 Ext. 103 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 103.
I AM INTERESTED IN RENTING AN APARTMENT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Please contact HHI Management Company and request an application. Applications are available to be mailed or emailed; or you may pick one up at our Holland office. You may request an application online by completing the form at the top of the Available Apartments Page. Forms with your original signatures are required to process your application. Faxed or emailed copies of your completed application cannot be accepted.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY APPLICATION IS TURNED IN?
Once we receive your application, we will review the information to determine if we are able to place your name on the waiting list. Due to the amount of applications we receive, and the processes we must go through to determine household eligibility, the initial intake of your application can take up to 2 weeks. It is normal that we do not communicate with you during this process. You will receive a letter once your name is placed on the waiting list, however we are unable to provide applicants with a position/status number. If there is any missing information and/or document(s) still needed, you will receive an incomplete application notice. If your application is complete, then your name will be placed on the waiting list.
IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
The waiting list is open for all apartment locations whether or not there are available apartments. The waiting list length varies for each location and apartment size.
WHAT IS MY STATUS ON THE WAITING LIST?
HHI Management Company is unable to provide applicants with a position/status number. We can only verify that your application has been received, and that you are currently on the waiting list for housing. HHI Management Company will not send status updates to those on the waiting list. Your name will remain on the waiting list unless you specifically ask to be removed OR if we are unable to contact you within a two-week time frame when there is an available apartment you may qualify for. Please be sure you have provided management with a current phone number and valid mailing address as this will be used in all our mailings to you.
WHAT IF MY ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER CHANGES?
You may update your contact information at any time by contacting our office in person, by phone, or email.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY NAME COMES TO THE TOP OF THE LIST AND THERE IS AN APARTMENT AVAILABLE?
You will receive a letter requesting that you schedule an appointment to update your application and complete the required paperwork for the next step in the application process. During this appointment, HHI Management Company will gather required information from you in order to further determine your eligibility for the housing program. No apartments are leased at this first appointment.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE DECISION ON MY APPLICATION?
HHI Management Company contacts all applicants by mail. The initial intake of your application can take up to 2 weeks. It is normal that we do not communicate with you during this time. If, after reviewing your application, there is information and/or document(s) still needed, you will receive an incomplete application notice. Once we have a completed application, your name will be placed on the waiting list. You will receive a letter once your name is placed on the waiting list. The waiting list confirmation letter is not a guarantee that housing will be granted to you. Please be sure you have provided management with a current and valid mailing address as this will be used in all our mailings to you. You may update your contact information any time by contacting our office by phone 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113 or email HHI@heritagehomesinc.org.
IF I APPLIED AT THE SAME TIME AS SOMEONE ELSE AND THEY RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT LETTER ALREADY, SHOULDN’T I HAVE RECEIVED ONE TOO?
Not necessarily. Though you may have applied at the same time as someone else, your placement on the waiting list may be different from theirs. Placement on the waiting list is determined by the date your complete application is received, your household size, and the type of apartment which you qualify for. Your preferences and eligibility may be different from the apartment unit that is available or advertised.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN APARTMENT?
The wait is dependent on a number of factors, such as, your location preferences and the program requirements for the apartments that are available. Program requirements vary for each county we serve and may vary by apartment unit. While we may have an apartment available to rent, you may not qualify for the type of program it falls under. The wait time is dependent on when current tenants move out and the quantity of available apartments; this amount of time varies and is unpredictable.
I NEED AN APARTMENT NOW, ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS FOR EMERGENCIES
No. HHI Management Company must follow the same procedures for all applicants and comply with federal guidelines for accepting applications and managing the waiting list. All applicants follow the same application process and must wait their turn on the waiting list. Other area agencies may be able to help with immediate emergency assistance. Please contact 2-1-1 for more information on emergency housing services in your area.
IF MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED, MAY I APPLY AGAIN IN THE FUTURE?
Yes, you may re-apply at anytime by submitting a new application and all required information. Please contact HHI Management Company to request a new application to be mailed or emailed to you, or you may request an application online at the top of the Available Apartments page. Applications are also available at our office in Holland.
DO YOU HAVE ANY APARTMENTS AT OTHER LOCATIONS? WHAT APARTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RENT?
For information regarding available apartments in either Ottawa County or Allegan County, please contact our office by phone 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113 or email HHI@heritagehomesinc.org.
WHAT IS THE MSHDA PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER (PBV) RENTAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM?
The MSHDA - Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is one of the federal government’s largest housing programs helping low-income families find affordable housing. Project-Based Rental Assistance Programs provide subsidies that are assigned to particular developments to make up the difference between market rents and what a low-income tenant can afford based on their income.
HOW MUCH IS THE RENT FOR PBV APARTMENTS?
For the Ottawa County and Allegan County Supportive Housing Apartments, Project-Based recipients are required to contribute 30% of their income for rent and pay their own gas and electric utilities. The voucher pays the rest of the rent, up to a limit set by the state or local housing agency administering the program in the area where the housing is located.
WHAT IS THE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT (LIHTC) PROGRAM?
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is an affordable housing program for individuals and families on fixed or lower incomes. Each resident is responsible for the full amount of rent each month. The rental amount is NOT based on your individual household income, rather rent is determined by the pre-set income limits in the county.
HOW DOES THE HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROGRAM BENEFIT RESIDENTS?
The benefit to residents in such housing is living in an apartment with lower rent than market rate.
HOW IS THE LIHTC PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER HOUSING PROGRAMS?
This program is not a subsidized housing program. Each resident is responsible for the full amount of rent each month. The rental amount is NOT based on your individual household income, rather the pre-set income limits for the area. However, it is also important to note that some apartment units in the same building may have Project Based Rental Assistance and rent for those units would be based on individual household income.
HOW MUCH IS RENT FOR THE LIHTC PROGRAM APARTMENTS?
Tax Credit rent is based on the average income in your county or other local area. This average is the "Area Median Gross Income" (AGI) which HUD updates every year. Your actual yearly income matters when it comes to determining if you qualify for an apartment at a tax-credit property, but the actual rent you pay is not based on income. Rents are based on the number of bedrooms in the unit, and differ between Allegan and Ottawa Counties.
Allegan County Rental Amounts: one-bedroom rent, $405/mo. two-bedroom rent, $493/mo. (West Fennville $523/mo.) three-bedroom rent, $538/mo.
Ottawa County Rental Amounts: one-bedroom rent, $566/mo. two-bedroom rent, $668/mo. three-bedroom rent, $751/mo.
These amounts are current as of January 2024 and are subject to change at anytime. Please contact management for current Tax Credit rent amounts.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THE LIHTC PROGRAM?
For HHI Management to make this determination, we will need to conduct the following: (1) Review your application, and interview with you and any other adult household members to determine all income and asset sources. (2) Verify all income and assets through the appropriate source(s). It is your responsibility to assist HHI Management with this step and to provide all the necessary information, such as address and contact information to expedite this process. (3) Calculate your total household income using the information provided by your income and asset source(s). The program requirements are specific to the county you are applying in, the apartment complex itself and the individual apartment unit you are applying for.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED ABOVE. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If you still have unanswered questions, please contact our office by email at HHI@heritagehomesinc.org and your email message will be forwarded to the appropriate person for response; this is usually the quickest way to receive a response. You may also contact us by phone at 616-395-9311 Ext. 113 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 113. If you reach the voice mail system, please clearly state your name, phone number and the question you would like answered. Due to the high volume of calls received daily, we ask you to be patient with receiving a call back. Calls regarding your wait time will not be returned. If you do not receive an email or phone response timely, please contact Nicole at 616-395-9311 Ext. 103 or 269-218-0930 Ext. 103.
