What the Kenner Housing Authority Does
The Kenner Housing Authority (KHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Kenner, Louisiana. It does not provide cash information or emergency aid directly — instead, it manages properties where low-income residents live, and it distributes vouchers that pay a portion of rent at private landlord properties. The Authority answers to a local board and operates under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules.
If you live in or near Kenner and need affordable housing, KHA is one of the first places to contact because it maintains a waiting list and can tell you which programs have openings. The Authority's main office is located in Kenner, and staff there can walk you through what each program requires and what the current wait times are.
Key Takeaways
- The Kenner Housing Authority runs public housing units and distributes Section 8 vouchers, but does not provide emergency rent money or cash benefits.
- Both programs require you to be on a waiting list, and wait times vary depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you.
- Income limits explore to both public housing and vouchers — you must earn below a certain threshold, which changes yearly and depends on household size.
- You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number for each household member when you explore.
- The KHA office can tell you in one call whether a program is currently accepting new applications or if the list is closed.
Public Housing Units Run by KHA
Public housing means KHA owns the building and you pay rent directly to the Authority. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, or the minimum rent for the unit, whichever is higher. Minimum rent amounts vary by property but typically range from $50 to $100 per month. You pay utilities in addition to rent unless the lease states otherwise.
Public housing units in Kenner include family apartments, senior housing, and units for people with disabilities. The specific properties, their addresses, and bedroom counts are available by calling or visiting the KHA office. Because demand is high, most public housing programs have a waiting list that can be months or years long depending on the property type and your household composition.
To get on the public housing waiting list, you must visit the KHA office in person or call to request an process. You will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members. The Authority will verify your income against current HUD limits for your household size.
Section 8 Vouchers and How They Work
A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy that KHA pays to a private landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment at any property where the landlord accepts vouchers, and the Authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own pocket — typically 30 percent of your income, though this can vary.
The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the local rent market. KHA publishes payment standards that show the maximum rent the Authority will cover for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and larger units. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the payment standard, you pay less. If it rents for more, you pay the difference.
Section 8 vouchers also have a waiting list. Because vouchers are portable — you can use them at any property in the region — demand is often higher than the number of vouchers available. KHA can tell you whether the voucher waiting list is currently open or closed. If it is closed, you can ask to be placed on a future opening list so you are notified when applications resume.
Income Limits and Who Can explore
Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers have income limits based on your household size and the area median income (AMI) for the New Orleans metropolitan area. For public housing, the limit is typically 80 percent of AMI. For Section 8 vouchers, the limit is also 80 percent of AMI at the time you receive the voucher, though your income can rise after you move in without losing the voucher.
Income limits change each year. In recent years, the limit for a family of four in the New Orleans area has been in the range of $50,000 to $55,000 gross annual income, but you should confirm the current year's limits with KHA directly because they vary. The Authority counts all household income — wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other sources — when determining whether you fall below the limit.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status to receive housing information from KHA. At least one member of your household must be a citizen or legal resident. If you are not sure about your status, bring documentation to the KHA office and staff can advise you on what counts.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
When you explore for either public housing or a Section 8 voucher, bring originals or certified copies of the following documents. KHA staff will tell you which documents they accept in digital form and which must be in person.
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Income | Your household's monthly or annual earnings | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, letter from employer, Social Security award letter, unemployment statement |
| Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency | Your right to live and work in the U.S. | Birth certificate, passport, green card, visa, I-94, employment authorization document (EAD) |
| Social Security Numbers | Identity verification for all household members | Social Security card, tax return, W-2, birth certificate with SSN |
| Photo ID | Verification that you are who you say you are | Driver's license, state ID, passport |
| Proof of Residency | That you currently live in or near Kenner | Utility bill, lease, mail from a government agency |
If your income is zero or very low, bring documentation of that as well — a letter stating you receive no income, or proof of zero earnings. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your last employer or a statement from the Louisiana Workforce Commission showing your unemployment status.
How to Contact KHA and explore
The Kenner Housing Authority office is located at 3641 Orion Avenue, Kenner, Louisiana 70065. You can reach them by phone at (504) 468-6521. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment.
You can request an process by phone or by visiting in person. Some housing authorities allow you to read applications from their website, but you will still need to submit them in person or by mail with original documents. Ask KHA staff which method they currently accept.
After you submit your process, KHA will verify your income and background. The verification process typically takes two to four weeks. You will be notified by mail or phone whether you have been placed on the waiting list and, if so, your position on that list. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and will tell you how to request a hearing to dispute the decision.
Waiting Lists and How Long It Takes
Both public housing and Section 8 vouchers operate on waiting lists. Your position on the list depends on when you applied, your household composition, and sometimes your priority status. Families with children, elderly households, and people with disabilities may have priority over other applicants, depending on KHA policy.
Wait times vary widely. For public housing, you might wait anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the property and the number of people ahead of you. For Section 8 vouchers, wait times have historically been long — sometimes two to five years or more — because demand far exceeds the number of vouchers available. However, KHA can tell you the current average wait time when you explore.
While you are on the waiting list, your circumstances may change — your income may rise, you may move, or your household size may change. Notify KHA when ready of any changes because they can affect your position on the list or your may be able to access. If you move out of the Kenner area, you may lose your place on the list, so ask KHA about their policy before you relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for both public housing and a Section 8 voucher at the same time?
Yes. You can be on both waiting lists simultaneously. If you receive a voucher first, you can decline the public housing offer when it comes, or vice versa. Let KHA know if you want to remain on both lists or if you want to withdraw from one.
What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move in?
For Section 8 vouchers, your income can rise after you receive the voucher without losing it. However, your rent contribution may increase. For public housing, income limits are checked at the time you move in; if your income rises significantly afterward, KHA may require you to move out or may adjust your rent. Ask KHA about their income recertification policy.
Do I have to live in Kenner to explore?
Most housing authorities require you to live in or have a strong connection to their service area. Kenner Housing Authority serves Kenner and surrounding areas. Call to confirm whether your current address makes you may be able to access to explore. If you are homeless or living outside the area, ask whether you can still be considered.
What if I have an eviction or bad rental history?
KHA will review your rental history as part of the process process. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may delay your approval or affect your priority on the waiting list. Be honest about your history on the process. If you were evicted due to circumstances beyond your control, explain that in writing and provide supporting documentation.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Kenner?
Section 8 vouchers are portable within the HUD region, which includes the New Orleans metropolitan area and surrounding parishes. You can use your voucher at any property in that region where the landlord accepts vouchers. If you want to move outside the region, contact KHA to learn about portability rules and whether you can transfer your voucher to another housing authority.