About Us

The McMinnville Housing Authority is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State, and must be operated according to the State and Federal Governments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is the federal agency that oversees the regulatory compliance of all public housing authorities. Policies applying specifically to the local operation are set by a Board of five Commissioners, who are appointed by the Mayor. They serve without pay.

Residents are selected by the Housing Authority based on adopted policies and federal requirements. The units are available only to families of low-income. Rental charges are based on the family income not the size of the apartment. An apartment with three bedrooms therefore may be rented for less than a one-bedroom apartment if the family in the one-bedroom apartment has a higher income.

Income limits for admission are established by the federal government. Rents are set at 30% of income with certain HUD prescribed deductions. There is a minimum rent of $25 per month. Rent includes reasonable utilities, for a conservative family, but does not include internet, telephone and cable. The security deposit is equal to one months rent or $50, whichever is greater.

All residents are required to pay rent promptly and abide by the lease.

The Authority makes payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) in the maximum amount of 10 percent of shelter rent. Shelter rent is the rental charge less the cost of utilities provided. The McMinnville Housing Authority is exempt from taxes because it is state designated public body.

We constantly strive to maintain and improve our housing units for our residents.

Mission

The mission of the McMinnville Housing Authority is to provide affordable housing for low income residents of our community. We will strive to provide safe, sanitary and drug free housing for our residents in a stable living enviromment free from discrimination. We will promote the well being of our clients including: coordinating after school programs, educational opportunities, self-sufficiency and economic independence. We will also strive to improve our energy efficiency thereby reducing utility cost.

Civil Rights Certification

The McMinnville Housing Authority certifies that it will carry out its public housing programs of the agency in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and will affirmatively further fair housing by examining their programs or proposed programs, and identifying any impediments to fair housing choice within those programs, addressing those impediments in a reasonable fashion in view of the resources available.

No smoking is allowed inside or within 25 feet of any residence or building on MHA property.

McMinnville Housing Authority History

The McMinnville Housing Authority was created by the City of McMinnville in late 1958 under the leadership of then Mayor Ulus Davenport. The State of Tennessee granted the Certificate of Incorporation on March 18, 1959. The first apartments were occupied in November, 1963.

The housing authority has provided homes for thousands of families during the 50 plus years since the first apartments opened. There are typically about 875 residents living in MHA units, of which 300 are elderly or disabled. The authority has a total of 394 apartments in McMinnville including Spangler Towers and 28 in Morrison.