What the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority does

The Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA) is a local government agency that owns and manages public housing in Newport News, Virginia. It also administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) for the city. NNRHA does not build or sell homes — it provides rental housing to people who meet income limits, and it helps other renters afford private apartments through vouchers.

NNRHA operates independently from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, though HUD sets the rules both agencies must follow. The authority answers to a local board of commissioners and is funded through a mix of federal grants, tenant rent payments, and local support. If you live in Newport News and need affordable rental housing, NNRHA is the body that runs the programs available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • NNRHA manages public housing developments and the Housing Choice Voucher program for Newport News residents who meet income limits.
  • Public housing and vouchers are separate programs with different process processes, waitlists, and housing options.
  • Both programs have long waitlists; NNRHA's website shows current wait times and whether applications are being taken.
  • You must live in Newport News and meet income limits based on household size to be considered for either program.
  • NNRHA's main office is located in Newport News and handles all inquiries, applications, and lease questions.

Public housing managed by NNRHA

NNRHA owns and operates apartment complexes throughout Newport News. These are not temporary shelters — they are permanent rental homes where tenants sign leases and pay rent based on their income, usually 30 percent of what they earn. The authority maintains the buildings, handles repairs, and enforces lease terms.

Public housing units vary in size from studios to three-bedroom apartments. NNRHA prioritizes families with children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities, though it accepts applications from anyone who meets income and citizenship requirements. Rent is calculated using your household income, so as your earnings change, your rent may change too.

The waitlist for public housing in Newport News is typically long. NNRHA maintains a single waitlist and opens it periodically when space allows. You can contact NNRHA directly to learn whether applications are currently being taken and how long the wait is expected to be.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you rent a private apartment and receive a subsidy from NNRHA to help pay the rent. You find your own apartment (within limits), sign a lease with the landlord, and NNRHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord each month. You pay the difference, usually 30 percent of your income.

Not all landlords accept vouchers, and not all apartments may have access to. The unit must pass a housing inspection and the rent cannot exceed the local payment standard set by NNRHA. You have a limited time to find an apartment once you receive a voucher — typically 60 to 120 days depending on the program rules in effect.

The Section 8 waitlist in Newport News is also long and often closed. When it is open, NNRHA may prioritize people experiencing homelessness, those leaving foster care, or people with disabilities. Check NNRHA's website or call to confirm whether the voucher waitlist is currently taking applications.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits. These limits change yearly and depend on household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four. NNRHA publishes current income limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your household income qualifies.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status to be considered. You must also have a valid Social Security number and pass a background check. NNRHA will review your rental history, credit, and criminal background — some offenses or lease violations can disqualify you.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be considered. If your income is below the limit but you have other barriers (such as a prior eviction or criminal conviction), NNRHA may still consider you, but approval is not may provide. Contact NNRHA to discuss your specific situation.

How to contact NNRHA and explore

NNRHA's main office is located at 2101 Westwood Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607. You can reach them by phone at (757) 247-7200. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You can also visit in person to ask questions about current waitlists and process procedures.

To explore for public housing or a voucher, you will need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements), a photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and information about anyone living in your household. NNRHA will tell you what documents to bring when you contact them.

Applications are processed in the order they are received, though some programs prioritize certain groups (such as people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities). After you explore, NNRHA will contact you if you are selected from the waitlist. This can take months or years depending on how long the waitlist is.

What happens after you are selected

If you are selected for public housing, NNRHA will offer you a specific unit. You will sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), and move in. Your rent is calculated based on your income at the time you move in. You must report income changes to NNRHA, as your rent may increase or decrease.

If you are selected for a voucher, NNRHA will issue the voucher and give you a important date to find an apartment. You search for a unit on your own, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, NNRHA inspects the unit and signs a contract with the landlord. The process usually takes 30 to 60 days from voucher issuance to move-in.

In both cases, you must follow your lease and NNRHA's rules. Failure to pay rent, property damage, or lease violations can result in eviction. NNRHA has the right to terminate your lease if you breach its terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waitlist for public housing in Newport News?

Waitlist length varies and changes as units become available and people move. NNRHA publishes current wait times on its website and can tell you the expected wait when you call (757) 247-7200. Some applicants may wait months; others may wait years.

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

Yes. The two programs are separate, and you can explore to both. If you are selected for one program, you can remain on the other waitlist in case you prefer that option later, though some programs may require you to choose.

What if I have a criminal record or prior eviction?

NNRHA reviews criminal history and rental background as part of the process process. Some offenses or evictions may disqualify you, but others may not. Contact NNRHA to discuss your specific situation before explore — they can tell you whether your background is likely to be a barrier.

Do I have to live in a specific NNRHA building if I get public housing?

NNRHA assigns units based on availability and your household needs. You cannot choose which building or unit you receive. If you are offered a unit and refuse it, you may lose your place on the waitlist or be moved to the end of the line.

What if my landlord will not accept my voucher?

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers, even though the program is legal. If a landlord refuses, you will need to find a different apartment. NNRHA can provide a list of landlords who have previously accepted vouchers, though this is not a may provide they will accept yours.