What the Greensboro Housing Authority Does

The Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Greensboro, North Carolina. It does not provide emergency rental information or homelessness services — those come from other city and county programs. GHA's job is to own and maintain public housing units and to administer vouchers that let low-income renters pay a portion of their rent while the program covers the rest.

GHA serves Guilford County residents, though the waiting lists and programs are specific to Greensboro's jurisdiction. The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you are looking for help with rent you already owe, eviction prevention, or utility information, you will need to contact Greensboro's Department of Social Services or a local nonprofit instead.

Key Takeaways

  • GHA runs two main programs: public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (rent information you use at a private landlord's property).
  • Both programs have long waiting lists, and GHA opens them only when space becomes available — you cannot walk in and join on any given day.
  • To be considered, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income, and you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status.
  • GHA's main office is at 2407 Phillips Avenue in Greensboro; you can reach them by phone to ask about current waiting list status.
  • If you need help with rent you currently owe or an eviction notice, contact Greensboro's Department of Social Services or call 211 for local emergency information programs.

Public Housing vs. Section 8 Vouchers: Which Program GHA Runs

GHA owns and operates public housing complexes throughout Greensboro. These are apartments and townhomes that GHA owns directly. If you live in public housing, you pay rent to GHA based on your income — typically 30 percent of your household income, with GHA covering the rest. Public housing units are maintained by GHA staff, and GHA handles repairs and maintenance.

The Section 8 voucher program works differently. GHA gives you a voucher (a rent subsidy) that you take to a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and then GHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent while you pay the rest. You keep the voucher as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules. Both programs have waiting lists, and both require your household income to be low enough to meet GHA's income limits.

Income Limits and Who Can Join

GHA uses income limits set by HUD based on the area median income for Greensboro and Guilford County. These limits change each year. For 2024, the income limit for a single person is roughly $40,000 to $45,000 per year, and for a family of four it is roughly $57,000 to $64,000 per year — the exact figure depends on family size and is updated annually by HUD. You must contact GHA directly to learn the current year's limits, as they shift.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status (such as a green card or refugee status). GHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status during the intake process. If any member of your household is not a citizen or does not have may be able to access status, the entire household may be ineligible, though some mixed-status households can be considered — ask GHA about your specific situation.

GHA also screens for criminal history, prior evictions, and lease violations. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but GHA has the right to deny housing based on background checks. If you have been evicted or have unpaid rent from a prior tenancy, disclose it when you contact GHA — they will ask anyway.

How to Get on the Waiting List

You must contact GHA directly to ask whether the waiting list is open. GHA does not keep the list open year-round; it opens and closes based on how many people are waiting and how quickly units become available. Call GHA at their main office or visit in person to learn the current status. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can call back to check.

If the list is open, GHA will give you an process form to complete. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (a driver's license or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. You will also need to list all household members and their dates of birth. GHA will verify your income and run a background check.

Once your process is submitted and verified, you are placed on the waiting list in the order your process was received. GHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. Wait times vary widely — some people wait months, others wait years. GHA cannot tell you exactly when your turn will come because it depends on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units open up.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for public housing, GHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You will sign a lease with GHA and move in. Your rent will be calculated as 30 percent of your household income, and GHA will bill you monthly. If your income changes, you must report it to GHA so your rent can be recalculated. You are required to keep the unit in good condition and follow all lease rules.

If you are approved for a Section 8 voucher, GHA will give you a voucher packet and explain how to use it. You then search for an apartment on the private market. Once you find a place and the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, GHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, GHA and the landlord sign a contract, and you move in. Your portion of the rent is typically 30 percent of your income; GHA pays the landlord the rest.

Both programs require you to recertify your income and household composition once a year. You will receive a notice from GHA telling you when to come in or submit documents. If you do not recertify on time, your information can be suspended or terminated. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or have to pay more rent.

GHA Contact Information and How to Reach Them

The Greensboro Housing Authority's main office is located at 2407 Phillips Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. You can call them during business hours to ask about waiting list status, program rules, or to request an process. The phone number is (336) 373-2004. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call ahead to confirm.

You can also visit the GHA office in person to pick up an process or ask questions. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide basic information about your household. If you cannot visit in person, call to ask whether GHA can mail an process to you or whether you can submit one by email.

GHA's website may have additional information about current programs and waiting list status. However, the most reliable way to learn whether the waiting list is open is to call or visit directly, because status changes and phone staff can answer questions specific to your situation.

If You Need Emergency Rent Help or Are Facing Eviction

GHA does not run emergency rental information or eviction prevention programs. If you owe rent right now or have received an eviction notice, you need to contact a different agency. Greensboro's Department of Social Services administers emergency information programs, and you can reach them through the city's main line or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources).

Emergency rental information programs typically pay landlords directly for rent you already owe, and they move faster than GHA's waiting list. However, these programs have their own income limits, waiting lists, and funding cycles. Call 211 or your local Department of Social Services to learn what is currently available and what documents you will need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for GHA housing?

Wait times vary and depend on how many people are ahead of you and how quickly units become available. Some applicants wait several months; others wait years. GHA cannot predict your exact wait time when you explore. Call GHA directly to ask how many people are currently on the list — that may give you a sense of the timeline.

Can I be denied housing because of my criminal record?

GHA can deny housing based on criminal history, but a record does not automatically disqualify you. GHA looks at the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have rehabilitated. If you have a criminal history, disclose it when you explore. GHA will tell you whether it affects your may be able to access.

What if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase. You are required to report income changes to GHA. Your new rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your voucher or be required to leave public housing, though GHA may give you time to transition.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Greensboro?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the unit must pass GHA's housing quality inspection. Not all landlords participate in the Section 8 program. GHA can provide you with a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past, but you will need to contact them directly to see if they have available units.

What if the waiting list is closed when I call?

Ask GHA when the list is expected to reopen and whether you can call back to check. You can also ask to be placed on a notification list so GHA will contact you when applications reopen. Some people check back every few months; others wait for GHA to call them.