Affordable Housing
Berks County Housing Authority
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a governmental Public Housing Agency organized under the laws of Pennsylvania and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Berks County Housing Authority Statement on Federal Government Shut Down.
The federal government is currently shut down. At this time, the Berks County Housing Authority is still processing housing assistance payments and providing services without interruption. Residents and landlords may check our website for updates. We are committed to keeping you informed and supporting our community through this time of uncertainty.
Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Gwendolyn F. Becker
Mrs. Gwendolyn F. Becker, MHS, PCHA
Executive Director/President
Government Shut Down – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will my rent still be paid?
Yes, for now, the Housing Authority is still processing housing assistance payments to the landlords. If the shutdown continues for a long time, there may be delays.
- Should I keep paying my portion of the rent?
Yes, residents are still responsible for paying their share of the rent on time, as stated in the lease.
- What happens if the shutdown lasts longer?
We are monitoring the situation closely. If funding is delayed or interrupted, we will update residents and landlords right away and share the next steps.
- Will the Housing Authority offices stay open?
Yes. Our staff is still here to answer questions, provide support and keep services running as expected.
- How will I get updates?
We will post updates on our website, social media and through direct notices if needed.
Important Housing Update: Government Shutdown
The federal government is shut down. This may affect housing programs that depend
on federal funding. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rent Payments: We are still paying housing subsidies. If the shutdown continues
for a long time, there could be delays.
- Your Share of Rent: Residents must keep paying their portion of rent on time.
- If Shutdown Lasts Longer: We will notify you immediately if there are changes.
- Housing Authority Offices: We are open and here to help.
- Updates: Check our website, social media or contact us directly.
Thank you for your patience. We are committed to keeping you
informed and supported.
Aviso Importante de Vivienda: Cierre del Gobierno
El gobierno federal está cerrado. Esto puede afectar los programas de vivienda que
dependen de fondos federales. Aquí está lo que necesita saber:
- Pagos de Alquiler: Todavía estamos pagando subsidios de vivienda. Si el cierre
continúa por mucho tiempo, podría haber retrasos.
- Su Parte del Alquiler: Los residentes deben seguir pagando su parte del alquiler
a tiempo.
- Si el Cierre Dura Más: Le notificaremos de inmediato si hay cambios.
- Oficinas de la Autoridad de Vivienda: Estamos abiertas y aquí para ayudar.
Actualizaciones: Revise nuestro sitio web, redes sociales o llámenos
directamente.
Gracias por su paciencia. Estamos comprometidos a mantenerlo
informado y apoyado.
Safe & Affordable Housing
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a governmental Public Housing Agency organized under the laws of Pennsylvania and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The BCHA was organized over 40 years ago to meet the housing needs of residents of Berks County, many of whom could not otherwise afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Stable Homes, Better Futures
Our Authority
The Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) owns and manages a total of 209 public housing apartments and townhouses, which are spread across nine different developments throughout the county. These housing options provide safe and affordable living environments for families in need.
Our Housing Choice Voucher Program plays a crucial role in assisting more than 500 families in Berks County. This program helps eligible families pay their rent to private landlords, empowering them to secure stable housing while maintaining their independence. We are committed to fostering a strong community by ensuring that families have access to the resources they need for a better quality of life.
Keep Your Contact Information Updated
You are required to notify the Berks County Housing Authority, in writing, of all address changes after you submit a pre-application. Failure to report changes may results in your removal from the waiting list without further notice.
Attention HCV Applicants: The only change that must be reported is your address. The only way we will contact you for the initial interview is by mail. All other information (phone number, household composition, income/job changes) will only be verified at the time of the initial interview, once you are scheduled to come to our office.
This does not apply to Public Housing applicants. Public housing applicants must continue to report all changes of household composition in addition to their address. The Berks County Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Housing Agency.
The FY 2026 Reading, PA MSA FMRs for All Bedroom Sizes
Final FY 2026 and Final FY 2025 FMRs by Unit Bedrooms
| Year | Efficiency | One-Bedroom | Two-Bedroom | Three-Bedroom | Four-Bedroom |
| FY 2026 FMR | $1,086 | $1,237 | $1,575 | $1,937 | $2,085 |
| FY 2025 FMR | $928 | $1,075 | $1,353 | $1,689 | $1,794 |
Berks County, PA is part of the Reading, PA MSA, which consists of the following counties: Berks County, PA. All information here applies to the entirety of the Reading, PA MSA.