What High Point Housing Authority does

High Point Housing Authority is a public agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in High Point, North Carolina. It owns and operates apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers voucher programs that help people pay rent in privately owned buildings. The Authority does not run programs for the entire state — it serves only High Point and a small surrounding area.

The Authority's main job is to keep public housing maintained and to process vouchers that subsidize rent. It does not determine who is poor or who deserves help; it works within federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in High Point and your income falls below those limits, you may be able to use its programs.

Key Takeaways

  • High Point Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and vouchers that work with private landlords.
  • Income limits are set by HUD and change yearly; you must fall below the limit for your household size to be considered.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long delays, so contact the Authority directly to learn the current status.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a valid ID to start the process with the Authority.
  • The Authority's office is located in High Point; you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings.

Public housing versus vouchers: which program the Authority runs

High Point Housing Authority manages two separate programs. Public housing means the Authority owns the building and you pay rent directly to it. Vouchers (also called Section 8) mean you find a private landlord, and the Authority pays part of your rent to that landlord while you pay the rest.

Public housing is usually cheaper per month, but the Authority controls which buildings you can live in and when units become available. Vouchers give you more choice — you can rent almost any apartment in High Point as long as the landlord agrees to take a voucher and the rent is not above the Authority's limit for your area. Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check.

The Authority maintains a wait list for each program separately. Some housing authorities close their wait lists when they become too long; others keep them open but with years of delay. Call the Authority's main office to find out whether either list is open right now and how long the wait typically is.

Income limits and who can use the Authority's programs

HUD sets income limits each year based on the median income in Guilford County (where High Point is located). For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly 50% of the area median income, and the limit rises for larger households. The exact dollar amount changes yearly and depends on household size.

You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or receiving benefits, bring documentation of that income as well. The Authority will count all income in your household, including wages, Social Security, disability payments, and child support.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents to prove this. If anyone in your household is not a citizen, you will need to show their immigration status separately.

What documents you need to bring

Before you contact High Point Housing Authority, gather these items:

  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, green card, or visa)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • If you have a criminal record, documentation of what happened and when (the Authority will review this but does not automatically reject you)

If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to show that you have found a landlord willing to rent to you. The Authority cannot help you find an apartment; you must locate one first, and the landlord must agree to accept a voucher.

How to contact High Point Housing Authority

High Point Housing Authority's main office is located at 1000 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27260. You can reach them by phone at (336) 883-3651 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary.

When you call, ask whether the wait list for public housing or vouchers is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen. If it is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can explore by mail or must visit in person. Some housing authorities accept initial applications over the phone or by mail, but you will likely need to come in for an interview.

You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process and ask questions. Bring your documents with you if you are ready to explore, but you can also just ask about the process first.

Wait times and what happens after you explore

Wait times for both public housing and vouchers vary widely. Some people wait months; others wait years. The Authority prioritizes applications based on when you applied and sometimes based on special circumstances (such as homelessness or disability). You can ask the Authority where you stand on the list, though they may not give you an exact position.

After you explore, the Authority will contact you for an interview. During the interview, staff will verify your income, check your background, and ask about your housing history. They will also explain the rules of the program you are joining — for example, how much rent you will pay, what happens if you break the lease, and what the Authority can inspect.

If you are approved, the Authority will either offer you a public housing unit or issue you a voucher. For public housing, you move into an Authority-owned apartment. For a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 days) to find a private landlord who will accept it. If you do not find one in time, you may lose the voucher.

Rules you must follow as a tenant or voucher holder

Public housing and voucher programs come with rules. In public housing, you must keep the apartment clean and in good condition, pay rent on time, and allow the Authority to inspect the unit. You cannot have unauthorized occupants living with you, and you must report changes in your household size or income.

With a voucher, your landlord must follow fair housing laws and maintain the apartment to housing code standards. The Authority will inspect the unit before you move in and periodically after. You must pay your share of the rent on time, and your landlord must accept the Authority's payment. If either of you breaks the rules, the Authority can take away the voucher or evict you from public housing.

Both programs have rules about criminal activity, drug use, and violence. The Authority can deny or terminate your participation if you or someone in your household engages in these activities. You have the right to a hearing before the Authority removes you, but the process can take weeks or months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on how busy the Authority is and whether they need more information from you. Initial contact usually happens within a few weeks, but the full interview and approval process can take two to three months. Call the Authority to ask about the current timeline.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record?

Yes, but the Authority will review your record. They do not automatically reject people with criminal history, but certain crimes (especially drug-related offenses or violence) may disqualify you. Ask the Authority what their specific policy is before you explore.

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

You must report the income increase to the Authority. Your rent may go up, but you will not be when ready evicted. The Authority will recalculate your rent based on your new income. If your income rises above the program limit, you will eventually have to leave, but the Authority typically gives you time to find other housing.

Can I use a voucher to move out of High Point?

No. High Point Housing Authority vouchers work only in High Point and the when ready surrounding area. If you move outside that area, you lose the voucher. Some other housing authorities may accept a "portable" voucher from another agency, but you would need to contact them directly.

What if I disagree with the Authority's decision to deny me or terminate my information?

You have the right to a hearing. The Authority must give you written notice of the decision and explain how to request a hearing. You can bring a representative or lawyer to the hearing, and you can present evidence and witnesses. The hearing officer will make a decision, which you can appeal further if you disagree.