What Mississippi Regional Housing Authorities Do

Mississippi has multiple regional housing authorities, not a single statewide agency. Each authority serves a specific county or group of counties and manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles emergency information in their area. The authority that serves you depends on where you live, and you contact the one in your region directly — there is no central state office that processes applications.

Regional authorities own and maintain public housing apartments, which are subsidized rental units where your rent is based on your income. They also distribute vouchers that let you rent from a private landlord while the authority pays a portion of your rent. Both programs have separate waiting lists, separate income limits, and separate process processes.

Because each authority operates independently, the specific programs available, waiting list length, and process timeline vary by region. An authority in one county may have vouchers available while another is closed to new applications.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to the regional housing authority that serves your county, not to a state office, and each region has its own waiting lists and timelines.
  • Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are two separate programs with different income limits, rent calculations, and process requirements.
  • Many Mississippi authorities have closed waiting lists, meaning you cannot explore until they reopen — calling ahead tells you the current status.
  • You will need proof of income, a photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a signed lease (for vouchers) before you submit anything.

Finding Your Regional Housing Authority

Mississippi's regional authorities are organized by county. To find yours, identify your county and search for "[County Name] Housing Authority" or "[County Name] Regional Housing Authority." Most have websites with contact phone numbers and office hours.

If you are unsure which county you live in or cannot locate your authority online, call 211 Mississippi (dial 211 from any phone) and provide your address. They will tell you the correct authority and may have current information about whether their waiting lists are open.

Some larger authorities serve multiple counties. For example, the Jackson Housing Authority serves Hinds County, while the Gulfport Housing Authority serves Harrison County. Smaller counties may share a regional authority with neighboring counties. The authority's website or phone line will confirm whether your specific address falls within their service area.

Public Housing: Income Limits and Rent Calculation

Public housing units are apartments owned and operated by the regional authority. To live in one, your household income must fall below the authority's income limit, which is set as a percentage of the area median income and changes yearly. Income limits vary by county and by household size — a family of four has a higher limit than a single person.

Your rent in public housing is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly household income, or the minimum rent set by the authority (usually $50 to $75), whichever is higher. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises above the limit, you may be asked to move out or transition to market-rate rent.

The authority counts income from wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and most other sources. They do not count income from certain benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in some cases, though rules vary by authority. Call your regional authority to ask how they count specific income sources.

Housing Choice Vouchers: How They Work and Who Qualifies

A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is a subsidy that lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. The authority pays the landlord a portion of your rent based on your income and the local rent standard; you pay the rest. You keep the voucher as long as your income stays below the limit and you follow program rules.

Income limits for vouchers are the same as for public housing in your region. However, the voucher program often has much longer waiting lists — some Mississippi authorities have waiting lists of several years, and many are currently closed to new applications. When a list is closed, you cannot explore until the authority reopens it, which may happen only once a year or less frequently.

If you receive a voucher, you search for an apartment on your own, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and then the authority inspects the unit and signs off on the lease. The authority then pays the landlord directly each month. You are responsible for finding a unit within the authority's payment standard — the maximum rent they will cover in your area.

process Documents and the Waiting List Process

To explore for either public housing or a voucher, bring or mail the following to your regional authority: a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns), and proof of residency in the county (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency). If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need a signed lease from a landlord.

Once you submit your process, the authority places you on the waiting list. The list is typically first-come, first-served, though some authorities give priority to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with young children. You will receive a letter confirming your process and your position on the list.

Waiting times vary widely. Some authorities may contact you within months; others may take years. Some authorities periodically send letters asking you to confirm you still want housing — if you do not respond, you may be removed from the list. Keep your contact information current with the authority.

What Happens When Your Name Reaches the Top of the List

When the authority is ready to process your process, they will contact you by phone or mail. They will ask you to come in for an interview, bring additional documents if needed, and verify the information on your original process. This is when they confirm your income, household size, and that you meet all program requirements.

For public housing, the authority will show you available units or add you to a list for the next opening. For vouchers, you will receive your voucher and a important date to find an apartment — typically 60 to 120 days, depending on the authority. You then have a set period to locate a unit, have it inspected, and move in.

If you are no longer interested in housing or your circumstances have changed significantly, tell the authority in writing. If you do not respond to their contact attempts or miss your interview appointment, you may be removed from the list.

Waiting List Status and Reopening Information

Most Mississippi regional authorities have closed their public housing and voucher waiting lists at some point due to high demand. A closed list means no new applications are being taken. To find out whether your authority's lists are open, call their main office and ask specifically: "Are you currently taking applications for public housing?" and "Are you currently taking applications for Housing Choice Vouchers?" Write down the date you called and the name of the person who told you, in case you need to follow up later.

Some authorities reopen their lists once a year, usually in the spring. Others reopen only when funding allows or when units become available. There is no fixed schedule across the state. If the list is closed, ask the authority when they expect to reopen it and whether they maintain a waiting list for people who want to explore when it reopens.

You can also contact your local community action agency or 211 Mississippi to ask about the current status of your regional authority's lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Public housing is an apartment owned by the authority; you pay 30 percent of your income as rent. A voucher is a subsidy you use at any private landlord who accepts the program; the authority pays part of the rent and you pay the rest. Vouchers give you more choice in where to live, but waiting lists are usually much longer.

Can I be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. Most authorities allow you to explore for both programs separately. You will be on two different waiting lists with different timelines. If you are offered housing through one program, tell the authority when ready so they can update your status on the other list.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

For public housing, your rent will increase to market rate, and you may eventually be asked to leave if your income stays above the limit. For vouchers, you can usually stay in your unit, but your rent contribution will increase. Contact your authority to understand the specific rules in your region.

Do I have to live in a specific neighborhood or area to use a voucher?

No. You can use a voucher to rent anywhere in your region, as long as the unit meets the authority's standards and the rent is within their payment standard. Some authorities cover a single county; others cover multiple counties. You cannot use a voucher outside your authority's service area.

What if I miss my interview appointment or do not respond to the authority's letter?

You will likely be removed from the waiting list. If this happens, you will need to reapply when the list reopens. Always keep your contact information current with the authority and respond to their letters within the important date they provide.