What the Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority does

The Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority (NNHRA) is a local government agency that manages public housing, administers rental information programs, and works on housing development projects in Newport News, Virginia. It operates independently from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, though it receives federal funding and follows HUD rules. If you live in Newport News and need affordable housing or rental support, NNHRA is the local body that handles those programs.

NNHRA manages several distinct programs: public housing units (apartments the authority owns and rents at reduced rates), the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8, which pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property), and emergency or short-term rental information when funding is available. The authority also works on community development projects and housing rehabilitation in the city.

Key Takeaways

  • NNHRA manages public housing apartments, Housing Choice Vouchers, and rental information programs for Newport News residents.
  • You contact NNHRA directly to get on a waiting list for public housing or vouchers; there is no online process that bypasses the local office.
  • Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long wait times, so call first to confirm whether you can be added.
  • NNHRA's office is located in Newport News, and you will need to provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or legal immigration status to be considered.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis, ask NNHRA whether emergency rental information funds are currently available, as these programs open and close based on funding.

How to contact NNHRA and reach their office

The Newport News Housing and Redevelopment Authority's main office is located at 2101 Westwood Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. You can reach them by phone at (757) 247-8400 during business hours. The office handles inquiries about public housing, vouchers, and rental information programs.

Before visiting or calling, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and a government-issued ID ready. If you are calling about a specific program, mention that upfront so the staff member can direct you to the right department. Many people find it faster to call first and ask whether a waiting list is open before making a trip to the office.

Public housing through NNHRA

NNHRA owns and operates public housing apartments throughout Newport News. These are units where the authority sets the rent based on your income, typically between 30 and 40 percent of what you earn. Public housing is not temporary; you can stay as long as you meet the lease terms and income limits, though your rent will be recalculated annually.

To get on the waiting list for public housing, you must contact NNHRA directly. The waiting list is often closed, meaning NNHRA is not accepting new names because the list is already very long. Call (757) 247-8400 to ask whether the list is open. If it is, you will need to provide proof of income, residency in Newport News, and citizenship or legal immigration status. The authority will tell you the current wait time, which can range from months to several years depending on the size and type of unit you need.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, works differently from public housing. NNHRA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's apartment. You find the apartment yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and NNHRA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

Like public housing, the voucher waiting list is typically closed. Call NNHRA to confirm whether they are accepting new names. If the list is open, the process is the same: you provide proof of income, residency, and legal status. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment and have the landlord sign a lease. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you may need to contact several before finding one willing to participate.

Emergency rental information and other support

NNHRA sometimes administers emergency rental information when the city or state provides funding. These programs pay rent you already owe (arrears) or, occasionally, upcoming rent if you are facing eviction. Unlike public housing or vouchers, emergency information is temporary and one-time. The programs open and close based on available funding, so they are not always available.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently open, call NNHRA at (757) 247-8400 and ask directly. If a program is running, you will typically need to provide a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and proof that you are behind on rent or at when ready risk of eviction. The authority will tell you what documents to bring and how long approval takes, which is usually two to six weeks.

Income limits and who can participate

NNHRA programs have income limits based on the area median income for the Newport News region. These limits change yearly and vary by household size. A single person might have a different limit than a family of four. You must earn below the limit to be considered for public housing or vouchers, though emergency information sometimes has higher limits.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to participate in NNHRA programs. The authority will ask for proof, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you have questions about whether your immigration status qualifies, ask NNHRA staff directly rather than guessing; the rules are specific and they can tell you whether you are may be able to access to explore.

What happens after you are on a waiting list

Once your name is on a waiting list for public housing or a voucher, NNHRA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years. The authority will call or mail you; make sure you keep your contact information current by calling NNHRA if you move or change your phone number. If you do not respond when contacted, you may be removed from the list.

When NNHRA reaches you, they will schedule an appointment to complete your lease or voucher paperwork. At that point, they will verify your income again and confirm that you still meet the program requirements. If your situation has changed significantly (you now earn too much, or you no longer live in Newport News), you may no longer be may be able to access. Be honest about your circumstances; misrepresenting your income or residency can result in removal from the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for public housing or vouchers in Newport News?

Wait times vary and change frequently. The only way to know is to call NNHRA at (757) 247-8400 and ask. Some lists are closed entirely, meaning no new names are being added. If a list is open, staff can tell you the current wait time for your household size.

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

Yes. You can explore for both programs simultaneously. Some people prefer one over the other, but being on both lists increases your chances of receiving information sooner. Ask NNHRA staff whether you can be added to both when you call.

What if I have an eviction notice or owe back rent?

An active eviction does not automatically disqualify you from public housing or vouchers, but it may delay your approval while NNHRA verifies the situation. If you owe back rent, ask NNHRA whether emergency rental information is available; that program is designed to help people in your situation. Call (757) 247-8400 to discuss your specific case.

Do I need to be a Newport News resident to explore?

Yes. NNHRA programs are for people who live in Newport News. You will need to show proof of residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency. If you are homeless or living outside Newport News but want to move there, ask NNHRA whether they make exceptions; some programs do.

What if I earn too much to may have access to for public housing but still need help?

If your income exceeds NNHRA's limits, you may still be able to find affordable housing through other means, such as private landlords offering below-market rent or nonprofits that work on housing in Newport News. NNHRA staff can sometimes point you toward other resources, so ask when you call.