What the Waco Housing Authority does

The Waco Housing Authority is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in McLennan County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it manages public housing communities where it does own the property. The agency is separate from the City of Waco, though it works with city officials and receives federal funding.

The Authority runs two main programs: public housing, where it owns the building and you pay rent based on your income, and Housing Choice Vouchers (often called Section 8), where you find a private landlord and the Authority pays part of your rent. Both programs have waiting lists, and both require you to meet income limits and other conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waco Housing Authority runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers; both have waiting lists that can be years long.
  • Public housing rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn, with a minimum amount set by the Authority.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from a private landlord, but the landlord must agree to participate and the unit must pass inspection.
  • You can contact the Authority by phone, in person, or through their office to learn about current waiting list status and income limits.
  • The Authority also runs other programs including family self-sufficiency and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Public housing in Waco

Public housing means the Waco Housing Authority owns the building and you rent directly from them. The Authority operates several communities across Waco, including older complexes and newer mixed-income developments. Rent is set at 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or a minimum amount set by the Authority — whichever is higher. The minimum is usually between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the property.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below the area median income limit set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For Waco, this limit changes annually and varies by household size. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income and residency. The Authority has a waiting list for public housing, and wait times vary depending on the specific community and current demand.

Public housing includes utilities in some cases and excludes them in others — this depends on the specific property. You are responsible for keeping the unit in good condition, and the Authority conducts inspections. If you damage the unit beyond normal wear, you may be charged for repairs.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a monthly payment the Waco Housing Authority sends directly to a landlord on your behalf. You find the rental unit yourself — it can be an apartment, house, or townhouse — and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. The Authority pays the difference between 30 percent of your income and the actual rent, up to a maximum amount called the payment standard. You pay your 30 percent share directly to the landlord.

Not every landlord accepts vouchers, and not every unit qualifies. The property must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection, which checks for safety, sanitation, and basic maintenance. The landlord must also be willing to sign a contract with the Authority. If you find a unit and the landlord agrees, you contact the Authority to start the inspection and approval process. This typically takes two to four weeks.

The Waco Housing Authority's voucher waiting list is usually closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When the list opens, it may close again within days or weeks. You can contact the Authority to ask whether the list is currently open and whether you can add your name.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on household size and set each year by HUD. For Waco, a single person's income limit is typically around $30,000 to $35,000 per year, and a family of four around $50,000 to $55,000 — but these numbers change annually and vary by program. The Authority uses your gross income, which includes wages, Social Security, child support, and other regular income sources.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The Authority will ask for proof of identity, Social Security number, and immigration documents. You cannot have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years, and you cannot have been convicted of certain crimes. Each applicant in the household age 18 and older must pass a background check.

If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be able to explore — some programs allow households at up to 80 percent of area median income. Contact the Authority directly to confirm whether you meet the current requirements.

How to contact the Waco Housing Authority

The Waco Housing Authority office is located in Waco and accepts applications and questions by phone, mail, and in person. You can call their main number to ask about waiting list status, current income limits, and how the process works. The staff can tell you whether the public housing or voucher waiting list is open and what documents you will need to bring.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease) ready. If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to provide information about your household members and their ages. The process process itself is free and does not require payment.

If you have questions about a specific property or program, ask to speak with a housing specialist. They can explain the differences between available programs and help you understand what to expect next.

Other programs run by the Waco Housing Authority

Beyond public housing and vouchers, the Authority runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program that helps residents increase their income and move toward financial independence. The program includes case management, job training referrals, and credit counseling. Participants work with a coordinator to set goals and build a savings account as their income grows.

The Authority also administers supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, often in partnership with local nonprofits. These programs combine housing with services like mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and job placement. Referrals usually come through the Waco homeless services system or local social service agencies.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists, and both can be long. Public housing waiting lists in Waco typically range from several months to several years, depending on the specific community and the number of available units. Voucher waiting lists are usually closed because demand is so high; when they do open, they may close within days.

Your position on the waiting list depends on when you applied and, in some cases, on preferences the Authority uses — such as living or working in Waco, or being homeless. The Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You will then have a limited time to accept the offer or it may go to the next person on the list.

While you are waiting, your circumstances may change — your income may increase, your household size may change, or you may move out of the area. Contact the Authority if your situation changes so they can update your process. If you do not respond when the Authority contacts you, you may be removed from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the voucher waiting list is open?

Call the Waco Housing Authority directly — they are the only source for current waiting list status. The list opens and closes based on funding and demand, and status can change month to month. When the list is open, you can usually add your name the same day you call or visit in person.

What is the difference between public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher?

In public housing, the Authority owns the building and you rent from them; rent is 30 percent of your income. With a voucher, you find your own rental unit and the Authority pays the landlord part of the rent. Vouchers give you more choice in where to live, but not all landlords accept them.

Can I explore if my income is above the limit?

Most programs require income below the annual limit, but some allow households up to 80 percent of area median income. Call the Authority to ask whether you meet the current requirements for the specific program you are interested in.

What happens if I get a job and my income increases while I am in public housing?

Your rent will increase because it is based on your income. The Authority will recalculate your rent each year or when your income changes significantly. You will not be evicted for earning more money, but your monthly payment will go up.

Do I have to live in Waco to explore?

The Waco Housing Authority serves McLennan County, so you do not have to live within city limits. However, some programs give preference to people who already live or work in the area. Ask the Authority whether you meet the residency requirements for the program you want.