What the Phenix City Housing Authority does

The Phenix City Housing Authority (PCHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Phenix City, Alabama. It administers federally funded programs including public housing units, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and emergency rental information. The Authority owns and maintains apartment complexes for low-income residents and helps others pay rent through voucher programs that work with private landlords.

PCHA operates independently from the city government but follows federal housing law set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs, income limits, and waiting list rules are shaped by both federal requirements and local policy decisions made by PCHA's board.

Key Takeaways

  • The Phenix City Housing Authority runs public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and rental information from a single office located at 801 Avenue H, Phenix City, AL 36867.
  • You can reach PCHA by phone at (334) 298-0093 to ask about current programs, waiting list status, or income requirements for your household size.
  • Public housing and voucher waiting lists are typically closed or have long wait times; calling ahead tells you whether PCHA is accepting new names.
  • PCHA requires proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a signed lease (for vouchers) or housing process before processing any request.
  • Emergency rental information through PCHA may be available if you are behind on rent and meet income and hardship requirements, though funding varies by year.

How to contact PCHA directly

The main office is at 801 Avenue H, Phenix City, AL 36867. You can call (334) 298-0093 during business hours to speak with staff about programs, waiting lists, or to request an process. Hours vary, so calling first prevents a wasted trip.

When you call, have your household size, monthly income, and current housing situation ready. Staff can tell you whether a particular program is currently open to new residents or if a waiting list is closed. If you need documents translated or have questions about accessibility, ask when you call — the office can arrange accommodations.

You can also visit in person to pick up applications or ask questions face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait, as walk-in traffic can be heavy during certain times of the month.

Public housing through PCHA

PCHA owns and operates apartment buildings reserved for residents whose income falls below a set limit. The income limit depends on household size and changes yearly; for example, a single person might have a limit around $25,000 to $30,000 annually, though this varies. Rent is typically 30 percent of your household income, meaning lower-income residents pay less.

To be considered for public housing, you must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status, pass a background check, and have no history of drug-related criminal convictions. PCHA also checks rental history and may deny housing if you have been evicted or have unpaid rent debts.

The waiting list for public housing is often closed or has a wait of several years. Call PCHA to find out the current status. If the list is open, you will fill out an process and be placed on the list in the order applications were received. PCHA will contact you when a unit becomes available.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher, commonly called Section 8, is a subsidy that helps you rent from a private landlord. PCHA gives you a voucher worth a certain amount each month (based on your income and local rent levels), and you find an apartment on the private market. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

To receive a voucher, you must meet income limits, pass a background check, and have legal residency status. You then search for a landlord willing to accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate, so finding housing can take time. Once you have a lease signed, PCHA inspects the unit and approves the lease before the voucher begins.

The Section 8 waiting list in Phenix City is typically closed. Call PCHA to confirm whether applications are being taken. If the list opens, applications are usually accepted for a limited period, and you will be placed on the list in order received.

Emergency rental information from PCHA

PCHA may administer emergency rental information funds during periods when money is available. These programs pay landlords directly to cover rent you already owe (arrears) or, in some cases, upcoming rent if you face imminent eviction. Funding comes from federal or state sources and is not permanent; programs open and close based on available money.

To be considered, you typically must prove that you are behind on rent, that your income is below a certain level (often 50 to 80 percent of the area median income), and that a recent hardship caused the missed payments. You will need a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship (such as a job loss letter or medical bill).

Call PCHA to ask whether emergency rental information is currently available. If it is, staff will explain what documents to bring and whether you can explore by mail, phone, or in person. Processing usually takes two to six weeks. If you have an eviction notice, tell PCHA when ready — many programs prioritize active cases.

Documents you will need

PCHA requires different documents depending on which program you are seeking. For any program, have ready:

  • Photo identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer or benefits agency)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members

For Section 8 vouchers or public housing, you will also need to complete PCHA's process form. For emergency rental information, bring your signed lease, proof of the hardship, and documentation of missed rent payments (such as a landlord's notice or eviction filing).

If you do not have all documents, call PCHA and ask what you can provide instead. Some documents can be obtained free or low-cost through your county courthouse or social services office.

Income limits and rent calculations

PCHA uses area median income (AMI) to set income limits for each program. Public housing typically serves households at or below 50 percent of AMI, while Section 8 may serve up to 80 percent of AMI. These limits change yearly and depend on household size.

For example, in 2024, the AMI for Phenix City was approximately $52,000 for a family of four (this figure varies and should be confirmed with PCHA). A household at 50 percent AMI would have a limit around $26,000. Call PCHA to learn the current income limit for your household size.

Rent in public housing and with Section 8 vouchers is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your income is very low, PCHA may set a minimum rent (often $50 to $100 per month). As your income rises, your rent contribution rises; if your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose your housing or voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary and change frequently. In Phenix City, both lists are often closed or have waits of several years. Call PCHA at (334) 298-0093 to ask the current status and, if the list is open, how long new applicants typically wait before being housed.

Can I explore for public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. Some people receive a voucher while waiting for public housing, or vice versa. Tell PCHA staff that you want to be considered for both programs when you explore.

What happens if my income increases after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

Your rent will increase because it is based on your income. If your income rises above the program limit, you will eventually lose your housing or voucher. PCHA will notify you of the change and give you time to find other housing. Report income changes to PCHA promptly to avoid overpaying rent or losing your subsidy unexpectedly.

Do I need a lease to receive emergency rental information?

Yes. PCHA requires a signed lease between you and your landlord. If you do not have a lease, ask your landlord to sign one before you explore. If your landlord refuses, some programs may still help, but call PCHA first to confirm what they can do.

Can PCHA help if I have an eviction notice?

Yes. Emergency rental information programs often prioritize households with active eviction cases. If you have received a notice, contact PCHA when ready and bring the notice with you. The program may be able to pay the landlord before the court date, stopping the eviction.