What the Greensboro Housing Authority does

The Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Greensboro, North Carolina. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers voucher programs that help people pay rent in privately owned units. The GHA does not set may be able to access rules on its own — those come from federal law — but it runs the day-to-day operations: taking applications, managing waiting lists, inspecting properties, and processing rent payments.

The GHA serves Guilford County residents, though the exact service area depends on which program you are looking at. Some programs cover only Greensboro city limits, while others extend to unincorporated parts of the county. The agency's main office is located in Greensboro, and that is where you go to ask questions about your process status or to report a maintenance issue in a GHA-owned unit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Greensboro Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rental information for private apartments).
  • Both programs have waiting lists, and how long you wait depends on the program and current demand — the GHA website shows current wait times.
  • To explore, you must live or work in Guilford County and meet income limits that vary by household size.
  • The GHA office is located at 2407 Phillips Avenue in Greensboro and handles applications, maintenance requests, and lease questions.
  • If you are currently homeless or facing eviction, contact the Greensboro Housing Authority or call 211 to learn about emergency information programs that may move you up the waiting list.

Public housing versus the Housing Choice Voucher program

The GHA operates two distinct programs, and understanding the difference matters because the wait times, rules, and day-to-day experience are different for each.

Public housing means the GHA owns the building and you pay rent directly to the GHA. The agency sets the rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income — and covers maintenance, utilities (in most cases), and building management. Public housing units are scattered across Greensboro in various complexes. The waiting list for public housing is usually longer than for vouchers, sometimes several years depending on unit availability and demand.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (also called Section 8) works differently: the GHA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent, and you find your own apartment in the private market. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, and the landlord receives the voucher portion directly from the GHA. This program gives you more choice in where you live, but landlords must agree to participate and accept the voucher. The voucher waiting list is also long, but it sometimes moves faster than public housing because there are more units available.

Income limits and who can explore

To explore to either GHA program, your household income must fall below a certain threshold set by the federal government. These limits change yearly and depend on your household size. For example, the income limit for a family of four is higher than for a single person, and the exact dollar amount varies each year based on area median income.

You must also live or work in Guilford County to explore. The GHA does not serve people outside this area. If you are unsure whether your income qualifies or whether you meet the residency requirement, call the GHA office at the number listed on their website or visit in person. Staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access before you spend time on an process.

The GHA also gives priority to certain groups: people experiencing homelessness, people being displaced by public housing demolition, and people with disabilities may move up the waiting list or face shorter wait times. If any of these situations explore to you, mention it when you contact the GHA.

how the process works and what documents you need

Applications are submitted in person at the GHA office located at 2407 Phillips Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

The process itself asks for basic household information: names and ages of all household members, current address, employment history, and references. Be honest about your income and household composition — the GHA verifies this information, and providing false details can disqualify you or result in removal from the program later.

After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation and be placed on the waiting list. The GHA will contact you when your name reaches the top of the list, which may take months or years depending on the program. During this time, your circumstances may change — if you move, change jobs, or your household size changes, notify the GHA when ready so your process stays current.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and voucher waiting lists are long in Greensboro, as they are in most cities. The exact wait time depends on the program, the number of units available, and how many people are ahead of you. The GHA publishes current wait times on its website, and these numbers change as units become available and people move through the process.

While you are waiting, you can explore to other programs at the same time. There is no rule against being on multiple waiting lists. You can also contact 211 (a free referral service) to learn about emergency rental information, transitional housing, or other programs that might help you sooner than public housing or vouchers.

If your situation becomes urgent — you are about to be evicted or are currently homeless — tell the GHA when you call or visit. Some programs prioritize people in crisis, and the GHA can refer you to emergency information while you wait for a permanent housing slot.

What happens after you are selected

When the GHA calls you from the waiting list, you will be asked to come in for an interview. At this meeting, a GHA staff member will verify the information on your process, ask questions about your household, and explain the lease and house rules. You will also learn about your rent amount (for public housing) or your voucher amount (for the voucher program).

For public housing, the GHA will show you available units or let you know when one becomes available in your area. You can refuse a unit, but refusing too many times may result in removal from the waiting list. For the voucher program, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment that meets GHA standards and where the landlord agrees to accept the voucher.

Once you move in, you are responsible for following the lease and GHA rules. This includes paying your portion of rent on time, keeping the unit clean and in good condition, and reporting maintenance problems. The GHA inspects units regularly to may support they meet housing standards, and landlords must make repairs if problems are found.

Contact information and how to reach the GHA

The Greensboro Housing Authority office is located at 2407 Phillips Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. You can visit in person during business hours to explore, ask questions, or report maintenance issues. Phone numbers and office hours are listed on the GHA website.

If you need emergency information before you hear from the GHA, call 211 (available 24/7) to be connected with local programs that help with rent, utilities, or temporary housing. If you are currently homeless, the Greensboro Police Department's Community Support Team and local nonprofits like the Greensboro Urban Ministry can connect you with when ready shelter and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

You will receive a confirmation that your process was received, usually within a few days. Being placed on the waiting list happens when ready, but the wait to be called for an interview can be months or years. Check the GHA website for current wait times for each program.

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

Past evictions do not automatically disqualify you, but the GHA will ask about them during your interview. They look at the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened. If you can explain the circumstances, you may still be found may be able to access. Be honest about your housing history.

What if I need housing right now and cannot wait for the GHA list?

Call 211 to learn about emergency rental information, transitional housing programs, and temporary shelter options in Greensboro. Some programs can help you pay rent or find housing while you wait for the GHA. If you are homeless, contact the Greensboro Urban Ministry or the Police Department's Community Support Team for when ready information.

Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be transferred to other housing authorities, but this is not automatic and depends on the receiving authority's policies and available funding. Contact the GHA before you plan to move to learn whether your voucher can follow you.

What should I do if my landlord is not making repairs?

Report the problem to the GHA in writing or by phone. For public housing, the GHA is your landlord and is required to make repairs within a set timeframe. For voucher holders, the GHA can pressure the landlord to comply or, in serious cases, remove the unit from the program. Do not withhold rent without GHA approval.