What the Foley Housing Authority does

The Foley Housing Authority is a local public agency that administers housing programs in Foley, Alabama. It manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles waiting lists for both. The Authority does not build or own all the housing it oversees — it contracts with private landlords and manages federal funds to help low-income households pay rent.

The Authority's main job is to take applications, verify income and household composition, issue vouchers or assign public housing units, and process rent payments. It is separate from the city government, though it operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules. If you live in Foley and need to know about public housing or vouchers, the Foley Housing Authority is the body you contact directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Foley Housing Authority manages two main programs: public housing (units it controls) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent information you use at a private landlord's property).
  • Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by household size and are set by HUD each year.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically closed or have long delays, so you should contact the Authority to learn the current status before preparing documents.
  • The Authority verifies your income, citizenship or immigration status, and housing history before approval, and this process usually takes several weeks.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

The Foley Housing Authority runs two separate programs, and they work differently. Public housing means you rent a unit that the Authority owns or controls. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income), and the Authority receives federal funds to cover the difference. Public housing units are scattered throughout Foley.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work the opposite way: you find your own rental property on the private market, and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to the landlord. You still pay roughly 30 percent of your income, and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by the Authority. A voucher gives you more choice in where to live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

Both programs have waiting lists. The Authority opens and closes these lists based on funding and demand. You cannot move between the two programs easily — if you are on the public housing list, you are not automatically on the voucher list. You must explore to each separately.

Income limits and household size

The Foley Housing Authority uses HUD income limits to determine who can be admitted. These limits change each year and depend on your household size. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four. The limits are based on the area median income for Baldwin County, Alabama.

You must be at or below the limit to be admitted. The Authority counts all income: wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other sources. It does not count some income, such as certain disability payments or student financial aid, but you must report everything and let the Authority decide what counts.

The Authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters, and bank statements to verify your income. If your income exceeds the limit, you will be denied. If your income is borderline, bring documentation showing any deductions or non-countable income that might bring you under the limit.

How to contact the Foley Housing Authority

The Foley Housing Authority is located in Foley, Alabama. You can reach it by phone or by visiting in person during business hours. The Authority's staff can tell you whether the waiting list for public housing or vouchers is open, how long the wait is, and what documents you need to bring.

Before you gather documents, call or visit to confirm the list is open. Many housing authorities close their lists when they have too many applicants, and reopening can take months. The staff can also tell you the current income limits and answer questions about your household composition or income.

If you cannot reach the Authority by phone, try visiting during posted office hours. Housing authorities often have limited phone staff, and in-person visits sometimes move faster. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide your name, address, and phone number.

Documents you will need to explore

The Foley Housing Authority requires proof of identity, income, household composition, and housing history. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You will also need Social Security numbers for all household members, even children.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a recent tax return, and benefit letters if you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other information. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years. If you have no income, bring a letter from a social service agency or a statement explaining your situation.

You will need proof of citizenship or immigration status. This can be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a valid visa. The Authority must verify this before admission. If you are not a U.S. citizen, ask the Authority which documents it accepts — some non-citizens are ineligible.

Bring a list of all people living in your household, including their dates of birth. If you have an eviction history, criminal record, or previous housing information, the Authority will ask about it. Be honest — the Authority will verify through court records and other housing authorities.

The waiting list and timeline

Once you are on the waiting list, the timeline depends on the program and the current demand. Public housing waiting lists in smaller cities like Foley can be months to years long. Voucher waiting lists vary widely. The Authority prioritizes based on date of process (first come, first served) or sometimes by preference categories such as homelessness or disability.

The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This contact is usually by phone or mail. You must respond within a set time frame — usually 10 to 14 days — or you lose your spot. If you move or change your phone number, notify the Authority when ready so it can reach you.

Once you are offered a unit or voucher, the Authority will conduct a final income verification and background check. This takes another two to four weeks. If you are approved, you will sign a lease (for public housing) or receive your voucher packet (for Section 8). The entire process from process to move-in can take several months or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

Yes, but the Authority will review the reason and timing. A recent eviction for non-payment is a serious barrier, but an older eviction or one for a lease violation unrelated to rent may not disqualify you. The Authority has discretion. Bring documentation explaining the eviction and what has changed since then.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to be admitted to public housing or receive a voucher. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS to begin the process. This can take weeks, so start early if you are planning to explore.

Can I explore for both public housing and a voucher at the same time?

Yes. You submit separate applications to each program. Being on one waiting list does not affect the other. However, once you are admitted to one program, you usually cannot use the other simultaneously. Tell the Authority which program you prefer if you are offered both.

What happens if my income increases after I am admitted?

The Authority recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the limit, you may be required to leave the program. However, some programs allow a gradual phase-out period. Ask the Authority about its recertification and income-limit policies when you are admitted.

How do I know if the waiting list is open?

Call the Foley Housing Authority directly or visit in person. The staff will tell you the current status of both the public housing and voucher lists. Do not assume the list is open based on information from another source — the status changes frequently, and only the Authority has current information.