How the Parkersburg Housing Authority Works and What It Offers

What the Parkersburg Housing Authority does

The Parkersburg Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It operates public housing units and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income households rent from private landlords. The PHA does not build or own all the housing it oversees — it manages federal funding and sets the rules for who can live in its programs and how much they pay.

The agency is governed by a board of commissioners and answers to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If you live in Parkersburg and are looking for affordable housing or want to understand how the local programs work, the PHA is the body that runs them.

Key Takeaways

The Parkersburg Housing Authority manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for low-income renters in the Parkersburg area.
Public housing is owned and operated directly by the PHA, while Section 8 vouchers let you rent from a private landlord of your choice.
Income limits explore to both programs, and they vary by household size and are set by HUD each year.
You can contact the PHA directly to learn about current openings, waitlist status, and what documents you will need to provide.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

The PHA runs two separate programs. Public housing consists of units the authority owns or leases. You pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income — and the PHA covers the rest from federal funding. The PHA sets the lease terms, handles maintenance, and can evict you for lease violations.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work differently. The PHA gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent at a private apartment or house you find yourself. You choose the unit, negotiate with the landlord, and the PHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This program gives you more choice in where you live, but the landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass a PHA inspection.

Both programs have income limits. The PHA sets these limits based on HUD's area median income figures, which change yearly. You must fall below the limit to be considered, and your income is verified through tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.

How to contact the Parkersburg Housing Authority

The PHA office is located in Parkersburg and can be reached by phone or in person. The main number and office address are available on the PHA's official website or through a local directory search. When you call, ask about current waitlist status for both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, because both programs often have waiting periods.

You can also visit the office to pick up an process, ask questions about income limits, and learn what documents you need to bring. Staff can tell you whether a program is currently accepting new applications or if the waitlist is closed. Many housing authorities close their waitlists when demand is very high, then reopen them periodically.

What documents you will need

Both public housing and Section 8 applications require proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and proof that you live in the Parkersburg area. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or other income sources.

You will also need to provide information about anyone else in your household, including their names, dates of birth, and relationship to you. The PHA uses this to calculate your income limit and determine rent. If you have a criminal history, disclose it — the PHA will review it, but a record does not automatically disqualify you.

Bring originals or certified copies when possible. The PHA staff can tell you which documents they accept as copies and which they need to verify directly with employers or government agencies.

Income limits and rent calculations

The PHA sets income limits based on HUD's figures for the Parkersburg area. These limits vary by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The limits also change each year, usually in April. You can ask the PHA for the current year's limits when you call or visit.

In public housing, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, minus deductions for dependents and other factors. If your income is very low, you may pay a minimum rent set by the PHA. In Section 8, the voucher covers a set amount based on the size of unit you need, and you pay the difference if the actual rent is higher.

Waitlists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 have waitlists in most areas. The length of the wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available. Some waitlists are a few months; others are several years. The PHA can tell you the current wait time when you ask about your position on the list.

While you are on the waitlist, your income and household composition may change. You are responsible for reporting changes to the PHA — if your income increases above the limit, you may be removed from the list. If your household size changes, tell the PHA so they can adjust your process if needed.

What happens after you are selected

Once your name comes up on the waitlist, the PHA will contact you to schedule an appointment. You will complete a full process, provide all required documents, and have your income verified. The PHA may also conduct a background check and contact previous landlords or employers.

For public housing, the PHA will show you available units and you choose one. The unit must pass a housing quality inspection before you can move in. For Section 8, you have a set time to find a unit, get the landlord's agreement, and have the PHA inspect it. If the unit fails inspection, you work with the landlord to fix the problems or find a different unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am below the income limit?

Call the Parkersburg Housing Authority and ask for the current income limits by household size. They are based on HUD's area median income and change yearly. Compare your household's total gross income to the limit for your household size — if you are below it, you may be considered.

Can I be denied because of my credit or criminal history?

The PHA reviews credit and background information, but neither automatically disqualifies you. They look at the nature and timing of any issues. Disclose everything honestly on your process — the PHA will find it anyway, and honesty works in your favor.

What is the difference between being on a waitlist and being selected?

Being on the waitlist means you have submitted an process and are waiting for a unit to become available. Being selected means your name came up and the PHA is ready to move forward with your process, verify your information, and assign you a unit or issue you a voucher.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. The programs are separate, so you can be on both waitlists. If you are selected for one before the other, you can accept it and stay on the other list, or withdraw from one. Ask the PHA about their policy on this when you explore.

What if my landlord will not accept my Section 8 voucher?

The landlord has the right to refuse a voucher, but the PHA can help you find units with landlords who accept them. Some landlords are unfamiliar with the program — the PHA can explain it to them. If you believe you are being discriminated against, contact the PHA or HUD's fair housing office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.