How to find your local housing authority

Your local housing authority is run by your city or county, not by a federal office. The fastest way to find it is to search "[your city or county name] housing authority" in a search engine — most have their own website with phone numbers and office hours listed. If that does not work, call your city or county government's main line and ask for the housing authority or public housing department; they will transfer you or give you a direct number.

Another reliable route is to dial 211 from any phone or visit 211.org and enter your zip code. The 211 service connects you to local social services, including housing authorities, and the person who answers can tell you the authority's phone number, address, and what programs they currently run. This is especially useful if you are not sure whether your area has a separate housing authority or if housing services are handled through a different department.

If you know your housing authority exists but cannot find current contact information online, try the HUD.gov website (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). HUD maintains a directory of public housing authorities by state, though the contact details are sometimes outdated. Use it as a backup to confirm the authority's name, then search for them directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Search "[your city or county name] housing authority" online first — most have websites with phone numbers and hours.
  • Call your city or county government's main line and ask for the housing authority if an online search does not work.
  • Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find local housing services and confirm whether your area has an active housing authority.
  • HUD.gov has a state-by-state directory of housing authorities, though contact details may be outdated.
  • When you call, have your address and income information ready — the authority can tell you which programs you may be able to explore.

What to expect when you call

When you reach your housing authority, be ready to give your address and approximate household income. The person who answers will tell you which programs the authority runs — public housing, Section 8 vouchers, emergency rental funds, or others — and whether they are currently taking new people. Many authorities have waiting lists that are closed or years long, so this first call will tell you whether it makes sense to explore right now.

Ask specifically whether the authority is accepting new applications for the program you are interested in. Some authorities accept applications year-round; others open and close their lists based on funding. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether you can get on a notification list. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date, in case you need to call back.

If the authority cannot help you, ask whether they know of other local programs — nonprofits, churches, or county services — that might. Housing authorities often work with other organizations and can point you in the right direction.

Differences between city and county housing authorities

Some areas have a city housing authority, some have a county authority, and some have both. A city authority typically serves only residents within city limits, while a county authority serves the whole county including unincorporated areas and smaller towns. If you live in a city, start by searching for the city authority; if you live outside city limits, search for the county authority.

In rare cases, a city and county authority serve the same area and run separate programs. If you find both, call each one to learn what they offer. One might have a shorter waiting list or different programs than the other. Neither will be offended if you contact both — this is normal.

Using 211 as a shortcut

The 211 service is a free referral line run by nonprofits in most U.S. areas. When you call 211 or search 211.org, you can ask specifically about housing authorities, emergency rental funds, utility information, or other local programs. The person who answers will have current information about which programs are open and which are closed — something that changes month to month and is often not updated on websites.

211 is especially useful if you are not sure what kind of help exists in your area or if you need multiple services at once. They can refer you to the housing authority, emergency rental programs, food information, and other resources in one call. You do not need to know the exact name of a program; describe what you need and they will find it.

What to do if you cannot find a housing authority

Some very small towns or rural areas do not have their own housing authority. In that case, housing services are usually handled by the county authority or by a regional authority that covers multiple counties. Call your county government's main line and ask who administers public housing or Section 8 vouchers in your area — they will direct you to the right office.

If you still cannot find anyone, try calling your state's housing finance agency. Each state has one, and they oversee housing authorities statewide. A search for "[your state name] housing finance agency" will find their number. They can tell you which authority serves your area or whether housing services are handled differently in your region.

Preparing for your first conversation

Before you call, gather a few pieces of information. Have your address ready, your household size, and a rough idea of your annual household income. If you are calling about a specific program — like emergency rental funds or a Section 8 voucher — have your lease or rental agreement nearby if you have one. The authority may ask whether you are currently housed, whether you are behind on rent, or whether you have an eviction notice.

Write down the authority's phone number, hours, and the name of the person you speak to. Keep a note of what programs they run, which ones are open, and what the next step is. If they tell you to submit paperwork or come in person, ask for the address and whether you need an appointment. Having this information written down will save you time if you need to call back or if you are dealing with multiple programs at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a housing authority if I live in a very small town?

Probably, but it may be run by your county rather than your town. Call your county government and ask who administers public housing or Section 8 vouchers. If your county does not have its own authority, a regional authority covering multiple counties likely serves you.

Do I need to visit the housing authority in person?

Not for the first call. You can learn about programs and waiting lists over the phone. If you decide to explore, the authority will tell you whether you can mail documents, submit them online, or need to come in. Many now accept applications by mail or email.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Ask when it typically reopens and whether you can get on a notification list so they contact you when applications reopen. In the meantime, explore other programs — emergency rental funds, utility information, or nonprofits — that may help while you wait.

Can I explore to multiple housing authorities at the same time?

Yes. If you live near a city and county boundary, you may be able to explore to both. Each maintains its own waiting list and programs. explore to more than one does not hurt your chances with either one.

What if I cannot reach anyone by phone?

Try the authority's website to see if they offer online contact forms or email addresses. You can also visit in person during office hours. If the authority is not responding, call 211 and ask them to help you reach the right office or suggest alternative programs in your area.