The Port Arthur Housing Authority runs public housing and rental information programs in Port Arthur, Texas

The Port Arthur Housing Authority (PAHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing units and administers rental information for low-income residents in Port Arthur. If you live in or near Port Arthur and need affordable housing information, PAHA is the body you contact directly — not a state or federal office. They maintain a list of available units, process applications for public housing, and handle programs that help with rent payments.

PAHA's main office is located at 4615 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, TX 77642. You can reach them by phone at (409) 983-8664. Their office hours and current programs are subject to change, so calling ahead before visiting is the practical first step.

Key Takeaways

  • The Port Arthur Housing Authority is a local agency you contact directly for public housing and rental information in Port Arthur.
  • Their main office is at 4615 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, TX 77642, and you can call (409) 983-8664 during business hours.
  • PAHA manages public housing units and may administer emergency rental information or other programs depending on current funding and availability.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or may be able to access immigration status to be considered for most programs.
  • Wait lists for public housing can be long, so contacting PAHA early and asking about current openings and timelines is important.

What programs does PAHA offer

The Port Arthur Housing Authority typically manages public housing units — apartments and homes owned by the authority and rented to low-income residents at reduced rates. The number of available units and wait times vary. PAHA may also administer emergency rental information when funding is available through federal or state programs, though these funds open and close depending on appropriations.

To know which programs are currently open, call PAHA directly. They can tell you whether public housing applications are being accepted, how long the wait list is, and whether any rental information funds are available. Programs change year to year based on federal funding, so the information you find online may be outdated.

How to contact PAHA and what to bring

Call (409) 983-8664 to ask about current programs and whether you can explore. Have ready your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease). If you are explore for public housing, you will also need to provide information about household members and any disabilities that may affect housing needs.

You can visit the office in person at 4615 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, TX 77642 during business hours. Calling first is recommended because staff availability and office hours may change, and you can confirm what documents to bring before making the trip.

Public housing wait lists and timelines

Public housing in Port Arthur, like most cities, operates a wait list. The length of the wait depends on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. PAHA can tell you the current wait time when you call — it may be weeks, months, or longer. Some applicants are prioritized based on factors like homelessness, disability, or extremely low income.

Once you are on the wait list, PAHA will contact you when a unit matching your household size becomes available. You will then go through a final approval process, which includes a background check and inspection of the unit. The entire process from process to move-in can take several months.

Income limits and who can explore

Public housing is reserved for households with income below a certain threshold, which is set by the federal government and varies by family size. PAHA staff can tell you whether your household income falls within the limit when you call. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you cannot have certain criminal convictions or housing violations on your record.

PAHA will ask about your household composition, employment, and any sources of income. Be prepared to provide documentation of everything you report. If your income changes after you move into public housing, you are required to report it to PAHA, as your rent may adjust accordingly.

Rental information and emergency funds

When federal or state emergency rental information funds are available, PAHA may administer them. These programs typically pay landlords directly for rent arrears — money you already owe — rather than future rent. You will need a signed lease, proof of the hardship, and your landlord's contact information to explore.

Rental information programs open and close based on funding. If PAHA is not currently administering a program, they can tell you whether funds may become available later or direct you to another agency. You can also contact 211 Texas (dial 2-1-1) to search for rental information programs across the state.

What to do if you are facing eviction

If you have received an eviction notice, tell PAHA when ready when you call. An active eviction case may move you up the priority list for public housing or rental information, depending on the program. Bring the eviction notice with you when you explore — programs use the court date to prioritize cases.

Do not ignore the court date. Even if you have applied for information, you must appear in court unless the program contacts the court on your behalf. Some rental information programs can request a continuance (delay) from the judge to give the program time to process your process and pay your landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I explore for public housing?

PAHA will place you on a wait list and contact you when a unit becomes available. The timeline depends on how many units are open and where you fall on the list. Call PAHA to ask for the current average wait time — it varies and changes as units become available or occupied.

Can I explore for public housing if I have a criminal record?

PAHA will review your background. Some convictions disqualify you, while others do not. Call and ask whether your specific situation would prevent you from being considered. PAHA staff can give you a clearer answer than a general rule.

What if I cannot reach PAHA by phone?

Visit the office in person at 4615 9th Avenue during business hours. You can also try calling 211 Texas (dial 2-1-1) to ask about housing resources in Port Arthur or to get updated contact information if PAHA's number has changed.

Do I have to pay an process fee to explore for public housing?

No. PAHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or to be placed on the wait list. Be cautious of any organization claiming to charge money to help you get public housing — that is a scam.

What happens if my income increases after I move into public housing?

You must report the increase to PAHA. Your rent will likely go up, but you will not be evicted. Public housing rent is typically calculated as a percentage of your income, so as your income rises, your payment rises too.