What the Greensboro Housing Authority does

The Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Greensboro, North Carolina. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city council's role — but it administers the actual programs: it owns and maintains public housing units, manages waiting lists, collects rent, and distributes federal rental vouchers to people who meet income limits.

GHA is separate from the city government, though it receives public funding and answers to a board of commissioners. If you are looking for housing in Greensboro, GHA is one source of options, but not the only one. Private landlords, nonprofits, and other programs also offer rental housing and information.

Key Takeaways

  • GHA runs two main programs: public housing (units it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rental information you use with a private landlord).
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and both require your household income to fall below a set limit — the limit changes each year and depends on household size.
  • You can contact GHA directly at their main office to ask about current wait times and whether either program is open to new applicants.
  • GHA also administers other federal programs like Project-Based Vouchers and Family Self-Sufficiency, which have different rules and may have shorter waits.
  • If you are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis, local nonprofits and the Greensboro Housing and Community Development office may have faster options.

GHA's two main housing programs

Public Housing means GHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. GHA maintains the property, handles repairs, and sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent. Public housing units in Greensboro are scattered across the city; some are single-family homes, some are apartments in larger complexes. The waiting list for public housing is typically long, sometimes years.

Housing Choice Vouchers (also called Section 8) are rental subsidies. GHA gives you a voucher worth a certain amount each month, and you use it to rent from any private landlord who will accept it. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. The voucher stays with you if you move, as long as you stay in Greensboro. The waiting list for vouchers is also typically long, and GHA periodically closes the list when it reaches capacity.

Both programs require your household income to be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Greensboro. That threshold changes yearly. For example, a single person's income limit might be around $28,000 to $32,000 per year, but you should contact GHA directly to confirm the current limit for your household size.

How to contact Greensboro Housing Authority

GHA's main office is located at 2407 Phillips Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. You can reach them by phone at (336) 373-2031. Their website is www.greensboroha.org, where you can find process forms, current waiting list status, and program details.

When you call or visit, ask specifically whether the program you are interested in (public housing or vouchers) is currently open to new applicants. Many housing authorities close their lists when demand is high, and GHA may reopen them later. Staff can tell you the current wait time and what documents you will need to bring.

GHA's office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should confirm this before visiting. Some services may be available by phone or online.

Income limits and what counts as income

To be considered for GHA programs, your household's gross monthly income must fall below the limit set each year. GHA counts most forms of income: wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and public information. They do not count some income, such as certain student financial aid or money from a one-time settlement.

GHA will ask you to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, a Social Security statement, or a letter from your employer. If your income changes after you are placed on the waiting list, you must report it. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your place or be removed from the program.

The income limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the median income for the Greensboro area. They increase slightly each year to account for inflation. You can ask GHA for the current year's limits, or you can find them on HUD's website.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. In some housing authorities, the wait is a few months; in others, it is several years. Greensboro's wait times have varied, so you should ask GHA directly what the current wait is for each program.

GHA maintains the waiting list in order of process date, though some housing authorities give priority to people in certain situations — for example, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or people fleeing domestic violence. Ask GHA whether any priority categories explore to you.

While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change. If you move out of Greensboro, you will typically be removed from the list. If your income rises above the limit, you may also be removed. GHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, so make sure they have your current phone number and address.

Other GHA programs beyond vouchers and public housing

Project-Based Vouchers are similar to Housing Choice Vouchers, but the subsidy is tied to a specific building rather than to you. You rent an apartment in a building where GHA has placed vouchers, and your rent is subsidized. The waiting list for project-based vouchers may be shorter than for regular vouchers, and the rules are slightly different. Ask GHA whether this program is available and whether you can be placed on that list.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program for families receiving vouchers or public housing. It pairs housing with case management and job training to help you increase your income and eventually move off information. If you are interested in working toward financial independence while you have stable housing, FSS may be worth exploring.

GHA may also administer emergency rental information or other temporary programs funded by the city or state. These programs come and go depending on funding. When you contact GHA, ask whether any emergency or short-term programs are currently open.

What to do if GHA's waiting list is closed or very long

If GHA is not currently taking new applicants, or if the wait is too long for your situation, you have other options. The Greensboro Housing and Community Development office (part of the city government) oversees housing policy and may know about other programs. You can also contact local nonprofits such as the Community Housing Resource Center or the Greensboro Urban Ministry, which run their own rental information and housing programs.

If you are experiencing homelessness or an when ready housing crisis, call 211 (a free referral line) or contact the Greensboro Homeless Services Center. These services can connect you to emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, or temporary information faster than the GHA waiting list.

Private landlords and property management companies also rent to people with low incomes, though they may charge process fees or require a deposit. Some nonprofits help people search for private rentals and negotiate with landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can request to be placed on both lists. However, once you are offered and accept either public housing or a voucher, you will typically be removed from the other list. Tell GHA which program you prefer if you have a choice.

What happens if my income increases while I am receiving information?

GHA will recalculate your rent, which will go up. If your income rises significantly above the program limit, you may be asked to leave the program. However, some programs have "income limits for continued occupancy" that are higher than the initial limit, giving you some room to earn more before you lose information. Ask GHA about the specific rules for your program.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

Yes, GHA requires a Social Security number for the head of household and all household members. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. GHA staff can tell you what to do if you are not yet may be able to access for a number.

Can I use a GHA voucher to rent anywhere in North Carolina?

No. Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the jurisdiction where GHA issued them. You can use a Greensboro voucher to rent anywhere in Greensboro and some surrounding areas, but not statewide. If you move outside GHA's service area, you will lose the voucher. Ask GHA exactly which areas are covered.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

GHA has rules about criminal history and evictions, but they do not automatically disqualify you. GHA looks at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your circumstances since then. Contact GHA directly to discuss your situation. Some programs or nonprofits may also have different policies than GHA.