What the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem Does

The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS) is a local government agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in Forsyth County, North Carolina. It does not provide emergency rental information, homelessness prevention funds, or rapid rehousing — those come from separate county and city programs. HAWS owns and operates public housing developments, manages the waiting list for Section 8 vouchers, and processes rent payments and maintenance requests for both programs.

HAWS is separate from the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County government, though it receives some funding through them. If you need to reach HAWS about a lease, a voucher, or a maintenance issue in public housing, you contact HAWS directly. If you need emergency rental help or are homeless, you will need to contact Forsyth County Department of Social Services or the city's community development office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • HAWS runs public housing developments and administers Section 8 vouchers in Forsyth County, but does not run emergency rental information or homelessness programs.
  • To reach HAWS about a voucher, a lease, or maintenance, you contact the agency directly by phone or in person at their office.
  • The Section 8 waiting list in Winston-Salem is typically closed to new applicants, and you can only join when HAWS opens it.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income and is usually much lower than market rent, but HAWS has a long waiting list for available units.
  • If you have a maintenance problem in public housing or a voucher issue, report it to HAWS in writing and keep a copy for your records.

How to Contact the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem

HAWS has one main office located in Winston-Salem. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about the Section 8 waiting list, report a maintenance issue, or ask questions about your lease or voucher. The office address and phone number are available on the HAWS website and through a 211 call.

When you call or visit, have your lease number, voucher number, or case number ready if you already have one. If you are calling about a maintenance emergency — such as no heat, no water, or a safety hazard — ask to speak to the emergency maintenance line. Non-emergency repairs are usually scheduled within a few days to a few weeks depending on the issue.

You can also submit written requests to HAWS by mail. Send maintenance requests, lease questions, or other concerns to the main office address. Keep a copy of anything you mail and note the date you sent it. Written requests create a paper trail if you later need to dispute a charge or prove you reported a problem.

Section 8 Vouchers and the Waiting List

HAWS administers Section 8 vouchers for Forsyth County. A Section 8 voucher allows you to rent from a private landlord, and the program pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Your portion is usually 30 percent of your household income, though this can vary.

The Section 8 waiting list in Winston-Salem is usually closed. HAWS opens the list only when it has capacity to process new applications, which may happen once every few years or not at all for long periods. You can call HAWS to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask to be placed on a notification list so you are contacted if it opens again.

When the list does open, you must submit an process during the open period. HAWS will tell you what documents to bring — typically proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members. The waiting time from process to receiving a voucher can be several months to several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available.

Public Housing Managed by HAWS

HAWS owns and operates public housing developments throughout Forsyth County. Public housing is owned by the government, and rent is set at 30 percent of your household income. This is usually much lower than market rent in the area. However, public housing has a long waiting list, and units become available slowly.

To be considered for public housing, you must meet income limits set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Income limits vary by household size and change each year. HAWS can tell you the current limits when you call. You must also pass a background check and meet lease requirements, which typically include no felony convictions for drug manufacturing or distribution within the past year.

If you are interested in public housing, contact HAWS to ask about the waiting list and what documents you need to submit. Like Section 8, the public housing waiting list can be very long, and you may wait years before a unit becomes available. Some HAWS developments have shorter waiting lists than others, so ask whether you can request a specific development.

Maintenance and Lease Issues in HAWS Housing

If you live in HAWS public housing or hold a Section 8 voucher and have a maintenance problem, report it to HAWS in writing or by phone. For emergencies — no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazards, or pest infestations — call the emergency line. HAWS is required by law to make repairs within a certain timeframe depending on the severity.

Keep records of every maintenance request you make. Write down the date you reported the problem, who you spoke to, and what was said. If the repair is not made within a reasonable time, send a follow-up letter to HAWS and keep a copy. If you hold a Section 8 voucher and your landlord will not make repairs, you can contact HAWS to report the landlord, and HAWS may remove the unit from the program.

Lease disputes — such as charges for damage you did not cause, disputes over your rent amount, or questions about lease terms — should also be reported to HAWS in writing. HAWS staff can explain your rights under the lease and may help mediate the dispute. Do not ignore a lease violation notice; respond in writing within the timeframe given.

Income Recertification and Rent Changes

If you live in HAWS public housing or hold a Section 8 voucher, you must recertify your income every year. HAWS will send you a notice telling you when to come in or submit documents. Recertification determines your rent for the next year, since rent is based on your income.

If your income changes during the year — you lose a job, get a raise, or a household member moves out — report it to HAWS. Some changes may lower your rent; others may raise it. Do not wait until recertification to report a major change. The sooner you report it, the sooner your rent can be adjusted.

If you miss a recertification appointment or important date, HAWS may terminate your lease or voucher. If this happens, you will receive a notice. Contact HAWS when ready to ask whether you can reschedule or submit documents late. Some situations allow for a grace period, but you must act quickly.

When to Contact Other Agencies Instead

HAWS does not run emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or homelessness prevention programs. If you need emergency help paying rent, are facing eviction, or are homeless, contact Forsyth County Department of Social Services or call 211 for a referral to the right program.

If you have a dispute with HAWS that you cannot resolve by phone or mail, you may have the right to a hearing. HAWS will explain your hearing rights in any notice of lease violation or termination. You can also contact a legal aid organization in North Carolina if you need help understanding your rights or preparing for a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Section 8 waiting list is open?

Call HAWS directly and ask. The waiting list status changes, and the only way to know for certain is to contact the agency. If the list is closed, ask to be notified when it opens again.

What if I have a maintenance emergency at night or on a weekend?

HAWS has an emergency maintenance line for after-hours calls. The phone number should be on your lease or posted in your building. Call that number for emergencies like no heat, no water, or electrical hazards. Non-emergencies can wait until business hours.

Can I be evicted from public housing or lose my voucher if I do not recertify my income?

Yes. If you miss a recertification important date, HAWS can terminate your lease or voucher. If you receive a recertification notice, respond by the important date. If you cannot make the appointment, call HAWS when ready to reschedule.

What happens to my Section 8 voucher if I move out of Forsyth County?

Your voucher is tied to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area. If you move to another county or state, you will need to contact the housing authority in that area to port your voucher. Not all housing authorities accept ports, so ask HAWS about the process before you move.

Can I appeal a rent increase or a lease violation notice?

Yes. If you disagree with a rent increase or receive a lease violation notice, you have the right to request a hearing. HAWS will explain how to request a hearing in the notice they send you. You must request the hearing within the timeframe given, usually 10 to 14 days.