About This Property
Emma Lazarus Place offers 10 three-bedroom units in Reading, PA, serving homeless individuals and families. The property has been in service since 1999 and is funded through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. This non-profit owned community provides housing for low-income residents.
Waitlist Information
Waitlist managed by Reading Housing Authority
The waiting list will open for studio apartments for one-person households and one-bedroom apartments for two-person households who are elderly (62+) or have a disability (18+), located in Rhodes, Eisenhower, Hubert Apartments, Kennedy Towers, Franklin Tower, and Hensler Homes. General occupancy units from one to four bedrooms at Glenside and Oakbrook Homes, and five-bedroom units at Oakbrook Homes only will also be accepted. Families must qualify for the bedroom size based on RHA's occupancy standard of one bedroom per two people, with limited exceptions. RHA utilizes a one-offer policy, meaning eligible applicants cannot select a specific development.
Due to high demand, applications are accepted only at certain times and are usually subject to a lottery. Preferences are given to veterans/veteran families and families who live in the City of Reading. Participants with an RHA voucher must have lived in the City of Reading for one year before porting elsewhere.
Waitlist data provided by section8waitlist.org
Updated September 5, 2026
Property Details
Fair Market Rent - Berks County, PA
FMR represents the estimated amount needed to cover rent and utilities for a moderately-priced unit in this area.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio/Efficiency | $895 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,041 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,649 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,758 |
Income Limits - Berks County, PA
Annual income limits by household size used to determine eligibility for affordable housing programs.
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $17,300
- Very Low (50%)
- $28,800
- Low (80%)
- $46,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $19,750
- Very Low (50%)
- $32,900
- Low (80%)
- $52,600
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $22,200
- Very Low (50%)
- $37,000
- Low (80%)
- $59,200
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $26,500
- Very Low (50%)
- $41,100
- Low (80%)
- $65,750
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $31,040
- Very Low (50%)
- $44,400
- Low (80%)
- $71,050
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $35,580
- Very Low (50%)
- $47,700
- Low (80%)
- $76,300
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $40,120
- Very Low (50%)
- $51,000
- Low (80%)
- $81,550
- Extremely Low (30%)
- $44,660
- Very Low (50%)
- $54,300
- Low (80%)
- $86,800
| Household | Extremely Low (30%) | Very Low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,300 | $28,800 | $46,050 |
| 2 Persons | $19,750 | $32,900 | $52,600 |
| 3 Persons | $22,200 | $37,000 | $59,200 |
| 4 Persons | $26,500 | $41,100 | $65,750 |
| 5 Persons | $31,040 | $44,400 | $71,050 |
| 6 Persons | $35,580 | $47,700 | $76,300 |
| 7 Persons | $40,120 | $51,000 | $81,550 |
| 8 Persons | $44,660 | $54,300 | $86,800 |
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Tax Credit Program Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent for affordable housing in Reading, PA?+
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Berks County, PA is: $895 (Studio), $1041 (1BR), $1320 (2BR), $1649 (3BR), $1758 (4BR). Actual rent at subsidized properties like Emma Lazarus Place is typically 30% of household income or less.
What size apartments are available at Emma Lazarus Place?+
Emma Lazarus Place offers the following unit types: 10 Three-Bedroom units, for a total of 10 units.
Who is eligible to live at Emma Lazarus Place?+
Emma Lazarus Place primarily serves formerly homeless individuals. All applicants must also meet income eligibility requirements for the area. Contact the property for specific eligibility criteria.
Who manages Emma Lazarus Place?+
Emma Lazarus Place is managed by . You can reach them at . Visit their website for more information.
Is there a waitlist for Emma Lazarus Place?+
Public Housing waitlist is currently Opening Soon and is expected to open for applications soon. Section 8 (HCV) waitlist is currently Closed. Waitlist status can change frequently, so check back regularly or contact the housing authority directly for the most up-to-date information.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Berks County, PA?+
For a 4-person household in Berks County, PA, the income limits are: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): $26,500, Very Low Income (50% AMI): $41,100, Low Income (80% AMI): $65,750. These limits are set by HUD and updated annually.
What is the price range for apartments in Reading, PA?+
Based on Fair Market Rent for Berks County, the estimated price range is: 3-bedroom: $1649. Actual rent at Emma Lazarus Place may be lower for income-eligible households.
How do I apply for housing at Emma Lazarus Place?+
Emma Lazarus Place is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) property. To apply, you can start by calling , or visiting their website, or contacting the property management office. Contact the property to learn about availability and application requirements. Eligibility is based on income limits set for the area.
Contact Information
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Nearby Schools
Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org. Ratings are on a 1-10 scale.
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