"The Mission of the North Iowa Regional Housing Authority (NIRHA) is to assist low-income families with decent, safe, and affordable housing opportunities as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives. NIRHA is committed to operating in an efficient, ethical, and professional manner. NIRHA will create and maintain partnerships with its clients and appropriate community agencies in order to accomplish this mission"
The Section 8 program is available throughout the eight county jurisdiction: Cerro Gordo County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Mason City), Floyd County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Charles City), Franklin County, Hancock County, Kossuth County, Mitchell County (excluding the incorporated city limits of Riceville), Winnebago County, and Worth County. Assistance is provided in units on the private market.
Often referred to as “project based assistance”, the public housing program was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to highrise apartments for elderly families. It is referred to as “project based assistance” because the rental assistance is tied to the unit and not to the family. If the family moves out of the unit, the assistance terminates.
You can apply for our waitings lists online.
All waiting lists are currently open for applications
We are able to accept online payments through our online portal. Please click below to access.
The North Iowa Regional Housing Authority (NIRHA) will hold a public hearing at the meeting of the NIRHA Board on December 17, 2024. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the public and residents an opportunity to comment on amendments to the Public Housing Flat Rents, the PHA Plan, ACOP, Administrative Plan, and Lease changes. This information is available for review at the NIRHA Office, 202 1st ST SE Suite 203, Mason City, Iowa 50401. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M-W. The public hearing will be held at the housing office on December 17th, 2024 at 9:00 am. The public is invited to attend to comment or may submit written comments to the housing office prior to the hearing.
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Closed for Lunch 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Thursday and Friday: by appointment only
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Please click here to access full policies for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Public Housing Program. These updated plans were approved by the NIRHA board effective October 1, 2020