What the Shreveport Housing Authority does

The Shreveport Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Shreveport, Louisiana. It administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8) and owns and operates public housing properties. SHA does not build new housing — it leases units from private landlords or manages its own stock, then subsidizes the rent so tenants pay a percentage of their income rather than market rate.

SHA serves households that meet income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income thresholds change yearly and depend on household size. A single person in Shreveport, for example, must earn below a certain amount to be considered; a family of four has a higher limit. SHA staff can tell you the current limits for your household size when you contact them.

The agency is located in Shreveport and handles all local decisions about who gets on waiting lists, how long the wait is, and which properties participate in its programs. It does not set federal rules — those come from HUD — but it decides how to run those rules in practice.

Key Takeaways

  • SHA runs two main programs: Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords) and public housing (SHA-owned apartments).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below HUD limits, which vary by family size and change each year.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long; you can contact SHA directly to learn the current wait time before you start the process.
  • SHA pays landlords directly under the voucher program, so your rent contribution is usually 30 percent of your income, with SHA covering the rest.
  • You must provide proof of income, identity, and residency when you request information or begin the intake process.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in Shreveport

The Housing Choice Voucher program is SHA's largest program. SHA gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you take to a private landlord who agrees to participate. The landlord rents to you, and SHA pays the landlord the difference between your 30 percent contribution and the actual rent. You choose the apartment — it does not have to be an SHA property — as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the unit meets HUD standards.

To use a voucher, you need a signed lease with a participating landlord. SHA inspects the unit to confirm it meets housing quality standards (safe plumbing, heat, no lead paint hazards, and so on). Once the lease and inspection pass, SHA and the landlord sign a contract, and your subsidy begins. You pay your share; SHA pays theirs directly to the landlord each month.

The waiting list for vouchers in Shreveport is managed by SHA. Wait times vary — sometimes the list is open to new names, sometimes it is closed. Contact SHA directly to find out whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is. Some applicants wait months or years before reaching the top of the list.

Public Housing managed by SHA

SHA also owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Shreveport. These are buildings or complexes that SHA owns outright. You rent directly from SHA, not from a private landlord. Rent is still set at 30 percent of your income (or the minimum rent, whichever is higher), and SHA covers the rest of the cost to maintain the property.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from the voucher list. Like vouchers, the list may be open or closed depending on SHA's current capacity. The wait time and current status are available by contacting SHA. Public housing units are inspected regularly by SHA staff, and SHA handles all maintenance and repairs directly.

Public housing and vouchers serve similar populations, but some people prefer one over the other. Vouchers give you more choice of where to live; public housing is managed entirely by SHA and may have fewer options but also fewer landlord-related issues.

Income limits and who can request information

SHA uses HUD's income limits to determine who can be considered for either program. These limits are based on the area median income for Caddo Parish and are adjusted for household size. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four. The limits change each year, usually in April or May.

You do not have to be a Shreveport resident to request information about SHA programs, but you will need to provide proof of income and identity when you begin the intake process. SHA staff can tell you the current income limits for your household size over the phone or in person. If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement for either program.

SHA also considers other factors beyond income: citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, criminal history (some convictions may disqualify you), and whether you have been evicted from public housing before. These rules are set by HUD, but SHA applies them.

How to contact Shreveport Housing Authority

SHA is located in Shreveport and can be reached by phone, mail, or in person. The agency's main office handles inquiries about waiting lists, income limits, and how to request information about either program. Before you visit or call, have your household size and approximate annual income ready — SHA staff can quickly tell you whether you likely meet the income threshold.

You can also ask SHA about the current wait time for each program. This information is public and changes as people move through the lists. Knowing the wait time helps you decide whether to request information now or wait until your circumstances change.

SHA's office hours and contact information are available through the City of Shreveport's website or by calling the main city number and asking for the Housing Authority. Some information about SHA programs may also be available through HUD's website, though SHA's local office has the most current details about Shreveport's specific lists and timelines.

What happens after you request information

Once you contact SHA and confirm you meet the income limit, the agency will explain the next steps. You will be asked to provide documents: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency if required. SHA will also ask about your household composition and citizenship or immigration status.

SHA will then place you on the appropriate waiting list — vouchers, public housing, or both if you request it. Your position on the list depends on when you requested information and SHA's prioritization rules. Some applicants are moved up the list if they have a disability or are experiencing homelessness; SHA can explain whether you may have access to for priority placement.

While you wait, your circumstances may change — your income may increase or decrease, your household size may shift, or you may move out of the area. Tell SHA about major changes, as they may affect your status on the list or your may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Housing Choice Voucher and public housing?

A voucher is a subsidy you use at a private landlord's apartment; SHA pays the landlord part of the rent. Public housing is an apartment SHA owns; you rent directly from SHA. Both charge you 30 percent of your income. Vouchers give you more choice of where to live; public housing is managed entirely by SHA.

How long is the waiting list for SHA programs?

Wait times vary and change as people move through the lists. SHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. Some programs may have a wait of several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available.

Can I be on both the voucher waiting list and the public housing waiting list at the same time?

Yes. You can request information about both programs and be placed on both lists. This increases your chances of being offered housing sooner, since you are waiting for either program to have an opening.

What if my income is above the limit?

If your household income exceeds HUD's limit for your area and household size, you do not meet the basic requirement for SHA programs. Income limits change yearly, so you can contact SHA again next year to see if the limit has risen or if your income has changed.

Do I have to live in Shreveport to use a Housing Choice Voucher?

You must use the voucher in Shreveport or a nearby area that SHA serves. You cannot take a Shreveport voucher to another city. If you move out of SHA's service area, your voucher ends. SHA can tell you exactly which areas are covered by its program.