What the Winston-Salem Housing Authority does

The Winston-Salem Housing Authority (WSHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city council's role — but it administers the actual programs that help low-income households pay for housing. The Authority owns and manages public housing properties, distributes federal rental vouchers, and handles lease enforcement and maintenance for both.

The Authority is a separate legal entity from the city government, though it receives city support and operates under state and federal law. If you live in public housing or hold a voucher from WSHA, the Authority is the organisation you pay rent to, report maintenance problems to, and deal with if a lease dispute arises.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where it owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent).
  • To get on a waiting list, you must live or work in Winston-Salem, meet income limits, and provide proof of identity and income; waiting lists are often closed and reopen unpredictably.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn, and the Authority handles all maintenance and repairs.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you choose your own rental property, but the landlord must pass inspection and agree to accept the voucher.
  • Contact WSHA directly at their office or phone line to learn whether waiting lists are currently open and what documents you need to bring.

Public housing versus the Housing Choice Voucher program

WSHA operates two distinct programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building you live in. You sign a lease with WSHA, pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of gross monthly income), and the Authority is responsible for repairs and maintenance. Public housing properties in Winston-Salem include scattered-site homes and apartment complexes.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (sometimes called Section 8) works differently. You find a rental property on the private market, the landlord agrees to accept a voucher, and WSHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. You choose where to live within Winston-Salem, but the property must pass a housing quality inspection and the landlord must sign an agreement with WSHA. This program gives you more choice but requires you to find a willing landlord.

Both programs have waiting lists. Both are often closed because demand exceeds available funding. When a list reopens, WSHA typically accepts applications for a limited period — sometimes a few weeks — then closes again.

Income limits and who can get on a waiting list

To be considered for either WSHA program, your household income must fall below a threshold set by the federal government and adjusted yearly. The limit depends on household size. For example, the 2024 limit for a family of four in Winston-Salem is approximately 60 percent of the area median income, but this figure changes annually and varies by family size.

You must also live or work in Winston-Salem to be on the waiting list. You will need to show proof of identity (a state ID or passport), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency or employment. If you are unemployed, you may need to provide documentation of job search efforts or benefits.

The Authority verifies income and citizenship status. If your income rises above the limit after you move into public housing or receive a voucher, you may still keep your housing, but rent will increase as your income increases.

How rent is calculated in public housing

In WSHA public housing, your rent is based on your income, not on market rates. The standard calculation is 30 percent of your gross monthly household income. If your household earns $1,500 per month, your rent would be approximately $450. The Authority also sets a minimum rent, which is typically $50 to $75 per month even if 30 percent of your income is lower.

Rent increases when your income increases. You are required to report changes in household composition, employment, or income within 30 days. If you do not report a change and the Authority discovers it during a recertification (usually annual), you may owe back rent or face lease violation.

Utilities are sometimes included in public housing rent and sometimes billed separately, depending on the property. Ask WSHA which utilities are covered at the specific property you are interested in.

The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list and how it works

If you want a Housing Choice Voucher, you must get on WSHA's waiting list. The list is often closed. When it opens, you can explore in person at the WSHA office or sometimes by mail or online, depending on how the Authority is accepting applications that year. You will need the same income and identity documents as for public housing.

Wait times vary widely. Some applicants wait months; others wait years. The Authority prioritises certain households — for example, those experiencing homelessness or living in substandard housing — so your position on the list depends partly on your circumstances.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 120 days) to find a rental property. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, the property must pass inspection, and the rent cannot exceed the voucher's payment standard for that area. If you cannot find a property within the time limit, you may lose the voucher.

Maintenance, repairs, and lease violations

In public housing, WSHA is responsible for repairs and maintenance. If something breaks — a water leak, heating failure, or electrical problem — you report it to the Authority's maintenance line. Emergency repairs (no heat in winter, no water) should be reported when ready. Non-emergency repairs may take longer.

You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you damage the unit intentionally or through neglect, WSHA can charge you for repairs or pursue eviction. Lease violations — such as unauthorized occupants, criminal activity, or non-payment of rent — can result in a notice to vacate and eviction proceedings in court.

If you receive a notice to vacate, you have the right to a hearing before WSHA before eviction is filed in court. You can present your side of the dispute at that hearing.

How to contact WSHA and check waiting list status

The Winston-Salem Housing Authority office is located at 1500 East Sprague Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. You can reach them by phone at (336) 748-3961. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but call ahead to confirm current hours.

To find out whether waiting lists are open, call the main number or visit the office in person. Staff can tell you which programs have open lists, what documents to bring, and how the process works. Do not rely on outdated information from online sources — waiting list status changes frequently, and the Authority is the only source that knows the current status.

You can also ask about other resources. WSHA sometimes refers households to emergency rental information, homeless services, or other programs if public housing and vouchers are not when ready available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get public housing or a voucher?

There is no set timeline. Waiting lists can be closed for months or years. Once you are on an open list, wait time depends on your priority and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait six months; others wait several years. Call WSHA to ask about typical wait times for the current year.

What happens if my income goes up while I am in public housing?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. You are required to report income changes within 30 days. If you do not report and WSHA finds out during recertification, you may owe back rent. However, you will not be evicted solely because your income rose.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in North Carolina?

No. A voucher issued by WSHA is valid only in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area covered by WSHA's jurisdiction. If you move outside that area, you lose the voucher. You can port (transfer) a voucher to another housing authority's jurisdiction in some cases, but you must request this and the receiving authority must have funding available.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you from WSHA programs, but the Authority will review the reason. If the eviction was for non-payment and you can show you have resolved the debt or circumstances have changed, you may still be considered. Contact WSHA to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

Yes. WSHA requires a Social Security number for all household members age 6 and older. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Undocumented immigrants may not be may be able to access for WSHA housing, though may be able to access rules can be complex — ask WSHA directly about your situation.