What the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem does

The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Forsyth County, North Carolina. It does not build or own most of the housing it helps fund — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it maintains a waiting list for public housing units it does own directly.

HAWS operates two main programs: public housing (apartments the agency owns) and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (rent subsidies you use at a private landlord's property). Both require you to be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, to have income below a set threshold, and to pass a background check. The agency is located in Winston-Salem and serves Forsyth County residents.

The agency does not make loans, does not may provide housing, and does not pay utility bills or deposits on its own. It pays rent to landlords only after you are approved and a lease is signed. Both programs have waiting lists that can be closed or open depending on demand.

Key Takeaways

  • HAWS runs public housing (units it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (subsidies you use at private apartments), and both have income limits and waiting lists.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant, pass a background check, and have income below the area median to be considered.
  • Public housing waiting lists are often closed; Section 8 waiting lists open and close based on how many vouchers are in use.
  • HAWS pays the landlord directly, not you, so your out-of-pocket rent is usually 30 percent of your income or a minimum amount set by the program.
  • You can contact HAWS by phone or in person at their main office to ask whether waiting lists are open and what documents you need to bring.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

HAWS owns and manages public housing units — apartments where the agency is the landlord. Your rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. The agency handles maintenance and repairs. Public housing waiting lists in Winston-Salem are often closed, meaning new names are not being added. When a list reopens, the agency announces it through local media and its website.

Section 8 vouchers let you choose a private apartment and the voucher pays part of the rent to the landlord. You pay the difference (usually 30 percent of your income), and you can move to a different apartment as long as it meets program standards and the landlord accepts the voucher. Section 8 waiting lists also close when the agency has issued all available vouchers. The wait time varies — it can be months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers become available.

Both programs require you to recertify your income and household size every year. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose the subsidy. If your income drops, your rent payment may drop as well.

Income limits and who can explore

HAWS sets income limits based on the area median income (AMI) for Forsyth County. Most programs serve households at or below 50 percent of AMI, though some vouchers go to households up to 80 percent of AMI. The exact limits change each year and depend on household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have an may be able to access immigration status (such as a green card or certain visa types). Non-citizens may be denied. You must also pass a criminal background check and a credit check. HAWS looks for evictions, drug convictions, and violent crime. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it is considered. You must provide proof of income, a photo ID, and a Social Security number or ITIN.

If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, you may still explore. HAWS has preferences for people experiencing homelessness in some cases, though this varies by program and funding source.

How to learn about waiting lists are open

The fastest way to learn whether HAWS is accepting new names is to call the agency directly at (336) 727-2154 or visit the office at 414 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Staff can tell you the status of both public housing and Section 8 waiting lists in one call.

You can also check the HAWS website (haws.org) for announcements about waiting list openings. When a list opens, the agency typically posts the news on its homepage and may send a press release to local news outlets. Lists usually stay open for a set period — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes longer — before closing again.

If both lists are closed, ask when they are expected to reopen and whether you can call back to check. Some people call every few months to monitor the status. There is no penalty for calling to ask.

What documents you need to bring

When you explore, bring a photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security card or ITIN, and proof of income for the past 30 days. Proof of income can be a pay stub, a letter from your employer, a benefits statement from Social Security or unemployment, or a tax return if you are self-employed.

You will also need to list all household members and their ages, and you may be asked to provide birth certificates for children. If you are currently renting, bring your lease or a letter from your landlord. If you are homeless, bring documentation of your current living situation (a shelter letter, for example).

HAWS may also ask for a list of references and will conduct a background check, which requires your permission. The agency will contact previous landlords and may check court records for evictions or criminal history. Bring all documents in person or mail them to the address above. Call ahead to confirm what the agency needs for your specific situation.

How rent is calculated and what you pay

In both public housing and Section 8, your rent is usually set at 30 percent of your gross household income. If your household income is $1,200 per month, your rent would be $360. However, HAWS sets a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month) so that even very low-income households pay something.

The agency pays the landlord the difference between your 30 percent and the actual rent. If the apartment costs $800 and you pay $360, HAWS pays the landlord $440. Your portion is due to the landlord each month, just like any other tenant's rent.

If your income changes, you must report it to HAWS. If you earn more, your rent may go up. If you lose income, your rent may go down. You recertify once a year, and the agency reviews your income at that time. Some programs offer a "rent increase exemption" for a limited time if your income rises, but this is not may provide and depends on the program rules.

What happens after you are approved

Once you are approved for a voucher or offered a public housing unit, you have a set time to find an apartment (usually 60 to 90 days for Section 8). For public housing, HAWS will offer you a unit from its available stock; you do not choose the building, though you can request a preference (such as ground floor or proximity to transit).

For Section 8, you search for a private apartment on your own. The landlord must accept the voucher and the unit must pass a HAWS inspection for safety and condition. HAWS inspects the apartment before the lease is signed. If it fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

Once you move in, you pay your portion of rent to the landlord each month. HAWS pays its portion directly to the landlord. If you stop paying your share, the landlord can evict you even though HAWS is paying part of the rent. You are responsible for keeping the apartment in good condition and following the lease terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or Section 8?

Wait times vary widely. Public housing lists in Winston-Salem are often closed, so there is no current wait. When Section 8 lists are open, the wait can range from several months to several years depending on how many people are on the list and how many vouchers become available. Call HAWS to ask for an estimate based on your household size.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HAWS will review the reason and how long ago it happened. Recent evictions are viewed more seriously than older ones. The agency considers whether you have stable income now and whether the eviction was your fault or due to circumstances beyond your control. You can explain your situation when you explore.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am approved?

If your income rises above the program limit, you will be notified and given time to leave the program, usually 6 to 12 months depending on how much over the limit you are. Some programs offer a "next available unit" rule, which means you can stay but pay market rent instead of the subsidized amount. Ask HAWS about this when you explore.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in North Carolina?

No. A HAWS voucher is valid only in Forsyth County unless you port the voucher to another housing authority. Porting means transferring your voucher to a different county's housing authority. The receiving authority must have available vouchers and must approve the port. Contact HAWS to ask about porting before you move.

What if I need an accommodation because of a disability?

HAWS must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can include priority on waiting lists, accessible units, or modifications to the process process. Tell HAWS about your disability when you explore, and ask what accommodations are available.