About Us

Ottumwa Housing Authority was created in 1964 by a Referendum Vote of the citizens of Ottumwa. A contract was signed with the United States Government to fund the construction of two hi-rise towers, Westgate which consists of 97 units and Southoak which consists of 103 units; these buildings were completed in 1968.

The Low-Rent Housing Statute of the State of Iowa of 1965 mandates how the Housing Authority will be formed. The Mayor appoints Commissioners for the City Council to approve a five member Board of Commissioners. This Board of Commissioners hires the Executive Director and formulates local policy within the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) executed a second contract with Ottumwa in 1969 to construct Camelot Towers; this tower was completed in 1972 housing ninety-nine apartments.

Ottumwa Housing Authority was originally called the Low-Rent Housing Agency of Ottumwa. The name was officially changed in 1979 to Ottumwa Housing Authority.

In 1982, a third public housing project was completed. This is a scattered site public housing project for non-elderly families. This includes 25 two-bedroom and 35 three-bedroom apartments.

In 2012, the construction began for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program known as Tindell Apartments. Tindell opened in May of 2013 offering 4 units with 2 2-bedroom units and 2 1-bedroom units.

In 2021, The Ottumwa Housing Authority has acquired 12 apartments, 2 4-bedroom units and 10 4-bedroom units, known as Oak Terrace. The apartments were under LIHTC Program and is now under HOME Program.

OHA owns and operates a total of 375 properties located at Camelot, Southoak, Westgate, Tindell, Oak Terrace and Scattered Family Sites. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows for housing assistance to 237 families.

1964

Established

  • Public Housing Program
  • HCV – Housing Choice Vouchers
  • HCV – Foster Youth Independent Vouchers
  • Neighborhood Stabilization Program
  • HCV – Project Based Vouchers

533,364

Individuals Housed & Counting

Eligibility Checklist for All Programs

All tenants pay approximately 30% of their annual gross adjusted income as rent on a sliding scale until they reach the flat rent for the Public Housing or market rent for the HCV Participants. All residents must pay a minimum rent of $50.

Authorization Deposit Form (ACH)

Follow the instructions on the form to be able to receive your payment directly into your bank account

The Housing Choice Voucher

OHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (previously known as Section 8 Program).

Public Housing Program & Proprieties

OHA owns and operates a total of 375 properties, located at Camelot Towers - 827 Albia Road, Southoak Towers - 102 West Finley Avenue, Westgate Towers - 910 West Second, Tindell - 309 Tindell Ave, Oak Terrace - 561 Ottumwa St., and Scattered Family Sites.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Tindell is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program which is located at 309 Tindell.

Oak Terrace

Oak Terrace is under the HOME Program which is located at 561 Ottumwa St.

Careers / Request for Proposals

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