Application Process
Admission to public housing is a multi-step process: 

A.      Individuals and families seeking to live in ESLHA public housing must complete and return a preliminary application, which includes information to determine basic eligibility and position on a site based waiting list. The ESLHA uses a site based waiting list procedure. This procedure requires applicants to select the development they wish to live in during the preliminary application process.

B.       A copy of the preliminary application may be obtained by clicking this page on the menu to the left,“Preliminary Application.” Additional forms, which must be completed as part of the application process include the Authorization for Release of Information, the Authorization for Release of Information/Privacy Act Notice, the Authorization for Police Records Check, the Declaration of Section 214 Status, and the Special Unit Requirement(s) Questionaire, if applicable, after reading the Notice to All Applicants – Reasonable Accommodations for Applicants With Disabilities. These forms may also be found on the menu to the left.  ESLHA staff will also mail out preliminary applications.  To request an application by mail, call 618 646-7130 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays except holidays.  Applications may also be picked up at the offices of the ESLHA at 690 North 20^th Street, East St. Louis, during the same hours as above.  Completed applications must be hand delivered to the above office.

C.       ESLHA staff will review the preliminary application, determine eligibility and if found eligible assign the applicant a position on the site based waiting list based upon preferences listed by the applicant and the time the application was received.  Completed applications will generate a notice of eligibility reflecting receipt and acceptance of the application. 

(1)      Applicants may periodically request their position on the waiting list by making a written request to the Leasing Department, East St. Louis Housing Authority, 690 North 20^th Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62205. 

(2)     Applicants must keep the Leasing Department informed of any address change during the period they are on the waiting list.

D.        When applicants reach a position close to the top of the waiting list they will be notified by letter of an office appointment for further processing of their application for public housing.  Click on the Intake Interview Checklist to view a list of documents you must bring to the Intake Interview.

E.         ESLHA staff will conduct the Intake Interview and verify all information from the preliminary application.  Immediately after the Intake Interview additional screening will be performed to include the following:

          (1)     Police Background Check

(2)             Credit Check

(3)             Utilities Check

(4)             Prior Landlord Verification

(5)             Past Participation in Federal Housing Programs

F.         ESLHA staff will collect all of the above information and verify the information provided by the applicant.  Assuming the applicant meets all established criteria, he or she will be offered a public housing living unit.