Your housing authority is a local government agency, not a federal one, so you find it by searching for your city or county name plus "housing authority"
The housing authority that serves you is run by your city or county, not by HUD or any federal office. This means there is no single national phone number or website. To find yours, search online for "[your city name] housing authority" or "[your county name] housing authority." If you live in a small town, your county housing authority likely covers you.
Once you find the agency's website or phone number, you can ask what programs they run — public housing, Section 8 vouchers, emergency rental help, or others. Many housing authorities also maintain lists of local nonprofits and resources on their websites, so the first call often saves you several more.
If you cannot find a listing online or the number is disconnected, call your city or county government's main line and ask for the housing authority's contact information. They will direct you to the right office.
Key Takeaways
- Search for "[your city or county name] housing authority" online to find the agency that serves your area.
- Housing authorities are local government offices, not federal ones, so each city or county runs its own.
- When you call, ask which programs are currently open and whether you meet the basic income or household size requirements before you gather documents.
- If you cannot find a listing, call your city or county government's main switchboard and ask them to connect you to housing.
- Many housing authorities maintain lists of local nonprofits, emergency funds, and other resources on their websites.
How to search online for your housing authority
Start with a direct search: type "[your city] housing authority" into Google, Bing, or your preferred search engine. Most housing authorities maintain a website with their address, phone number, office hours, and a description of the programs they run. If your city is large, the result will likely be the official city or county website with a housing department listed.
If that search does not work, try "[your county] housing authority" instead — many rural areas and smaller towns are served by the county office rather than a city one. You can also search "[your state] housing authority" to find a directory or list of all authorities in your state, though this will give you many results and you will still need to narrow down to your local office.
Once you find the website, look for a phone number or an online form to request information. Many authorities have moved to online intake systems, so you may be able to start the process without calling.
What to ask when you call
When you reach your housing authority, have your household size and approximate annual income ready. Ask which programs they currently have open — do not assume all programs are available. Some housing authorities run Section 8 voucher programs, some run public housing, some run emergency rental information, and some run all three. A few run none and refer residents to nonprofits instead.
Ask whether there is a waiting list and, if so, how long it typically is. Waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers can be years long in some areas and closed entirely in others. Ask what documents you will need to bring — most programs require proof of income, a photo ID, and proof of residency, but requirements vary.
If the program you are interested in is closed, ask when it might reopen or whether the authority can refer you to another resource in the meantime. Many housing authorities keep lists of local nonprofits, emergency funds, and other agencies that may be able to help.
Using 211 as an alternative to searching on your own
211 is a free referral service run by the United Way. You can call 211 from any phone or visit 211.org and enter your zip code. A counselor will tell you what housing resources exist in your area, including your local housing authority, emergency rental funds, nonprofits, and other programs.
211 is useful if you are not sure whether a housing authority exists in your area or if you want to know about other options at the same time. The counselor can also tell you whether programs are currently open and what the basic requirements are. This can save you time if you are not sure whether you meet the income limits or other criteria.
You do not need to provide personal information to get a referral from 211. They will ask your zip code and what kind of help you are looking for, and they will give you a list of agencies to contact.
What to do if you cannot find a housing authority in your area
Some very small towns or rural areas do not have their own housing authority. In that case, you are likely served by your county housing authority. Call your county government's main number and ask for the housing or community development department.
If your county does not have a housing authority either, ask to be referred to the nearest one or to nonprofits that help with housing in your area. Some states have a state housing finance agency that can direct you to resources. You can also call 211 and explain that you cannot find a local authority — they will know whether one exists and where to send you.
In a few cases, a city or county contracts with a nonprofit to run housing programs instead of running them directly. If you search and find a nonprofit name instead of a "housing authority," that is still the right office — call them the same way you would call a government agency.
Understanding what your housing authority can and cannot do
Your housing authority runs specific programs — usually public housing, Section 8 vouchers, or emergency rental information. They cannot help you with every housing problem. If you need help with a landlord dispute, eviction defense, or a repair issue, the housing authority will refer you to a legal aid nonprofit or tenant rights organization instead.
Housing authorities also cannot override income limits or waiting lists. If you earn too much to may have access to for a program or if the waiting list is closed, they cannot make an exception. However, they can tell you when the waiting list might reopen or refer you to programs with higher income limits.
The housing authority is a starting point, not the only option. Many cities and counties also have nonprofits, community action agencies, and emergency funds that run parallel programs or serve people who do not may have access to for the housing authority's programs.
Preparing for your first contact with the housing authority
Before you call or visit, gather basic information: your household size, the names and ages of anyone living with you, your approximate annual household income, and your current housing situation (renting, homeless, living with family, etc.). You do not need exact numbers or documents yet — the housing authority just wants to know whether you are in the ballpark for their programs.
Write down the name of the program you are interested in, if you know it. If you do not know, write down what you need help with — paying rent, finding an apartment, getting a voucher — and the housing authority will tell you which program might fit.
Ask for the name of the person you speak with and write down any next steps they give you, including important date, required documents, and where to send forms. Many housing authorities have long wait times on the phone, so getting clear instructions the first time saves you from calling back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a housing authority in every city?
No. Small towns and rural areas are often served by county housing authorities instead. Some very small counties do not have a housing authority at all and refer residents to state agencies or nonprofits. Search for your city first, then your county, and if neither exists, call your county government's main line and ask where to go for housing help.
Do I have to go in person to explore, or can I do it over the phone or online?
Many housing authorities now accept applications online or by mail, though some still require an in-person visit. When you call, ask how they are currently taking applications. If you cannot visit in person, explain that and ask whether they have an alternative process. Some authorities will mail you forms or send them by email.
What if the housing authority's waiting list is closed?
If the waiting list is closed, ask when it might reopen — some authorities open them once a year or when funding becomes available. In the meantime, ask the housing authority to refer you to other programs, nonprofits, or emergency funds that might be able to help. Call 211 as well to find other resources in your area.
Can the housing authority help me if I have bad credit or an eviction on my record?
Housing authority programs do not typically check credit scores the way private landlords do. However, some programs do screen for evictions or criminal history. When you call, ask what their screening criteria are. If you have been evicted, ask whether that automatically disqualifies you or whether they consider the circumstances. Many authorities will work with you if the eviction was years ago or if you can explain what happened.
What is the difference between a housing authority and a housing nonprofit?
A housing authority is a government agency run by your city or county. A housing nonprofit is a private organization, often run by a board of directors. Both may run similar programs — rental information, emergency funds, or housing search help — but they have different funding sources and rules. Your housing authority is usually the first place to call, but nonprofits often have programs for people who do not may have access to for government programs.