What Port Arthur Housing Authority does

Port Arthur Housing Authority (PAHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Port Arthur, Texas. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it runs a public housing portfolio of older apartment complexes. PAHA answers to a local board and operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Authority runs two main programs: public housing (where PAHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8 (where you find a private landlord and PAHA pays part of the rent). Both programs require you to meet income limits and pass a background check. Wait lists for both are usually closed or very long.

Key Takeaways

  • Port Arthur Housing Authority runs public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers; both require income verification and a background check.
  • Most PAHA programs have closed wait lists, meaning you cannot join right now — you can ask to be added to a future list or check back periodically.
  • To reach PAHA directly, call their main office or visit in person; they do not process applications online through a central portal.
  • If you are experiencing a housing crisis, contact the City of Port Arthur's community services office or call 211 Texas for emergency rental help, which is separate from PAHA.
  • Income limits vary by household size and are set annually by HUD; a PAHA staff member can tell you whether your household qualifies during an intake call.

Public housing managed by Port Arthur Housing Authority

Public housing means PAHA owns the apartment building. You pay rent directly to PAHA, and the amount is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, with a minimum rent that varies by property. PAHA maintains the building and handles repairs.

Public housing in Port Arthur includes several older complexes. The largest are Gulfway Terrace and Carver Terrace. These are rent-restricted communities, meaning everyone who lives there is low-income and pays income-based rent. Utilities are usually included or subsidized.

To enter public housing, you must meet the income limit for your household size (set by HUD each year), pass a criminal background check, and have a valid rental history or references. PAHA will verify your income using recent tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit letters. The wait list for public housing is typically closed; you can ask staff whether you can be added to a future list.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher is a rent subsidy that you carry to a private landlord of your choice. PAHA gives you a voucher worth a certain amount each month — usually between $600 and $1,200 depending on the size of the unit and the local rent market. You find an apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and PAHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

For example: if your voucher is worth $900 and the rent is $1,100, you pay $200 per month. If the rent is $850, you pay $0 and PAHA pays $850. You can use a voucher at any rental property in Port Arthur or in many surrounding areas, as long as the landlord agrees and the unit meets PAHA's housing quality standards.

The voucher wait list is almost always closed. When it does open, hundreds of people explore within days. PAHA maintains a wait list for future openings; you can contact them to ask whether you can be added. Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and move in, or you lose it.

Income limits and household verification

HUD sets income limits each year based on the area median income for the Port Arthur region. For 2024, the limit for a single person is roughly $28,000 to $32,000 per year (exact figures change annually). A family of four is usually limited to around $45,000 to $51,000 per year. These numbers vary slightly depending on the specific program and are published by PAHA each January.

PAHA counts all income in your household: wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and cash information. They do not count certain income like food stamps or some education grants. You will need to bring recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, and benefit letters for any information you receive. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement.

PAHA recertifies your income every year. If your income rises above the limit, you may be asked to leave public housing or your voucher may be terminated. If your income drops, your rent payment drops as well.

How to contact Port Arthur Housing Authority

PAHA's main office is located at 4615 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. You can call them at (409) 983-8664 during business hours (usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). They do not have an online process portal; you must call or visit in person to ask about programs, wait lists, and next steps.

When you call, have your Social Security number, current address, and household income information ready. Staff can tell you whether the wait list is open, whether you meet the income limit, and what documents you need to bring if you visit. If the wait list is closed, ask whether you can be added to a future list — some people are notified when it reopens.

If you cannot reach PAHA or need help understanding your options, call 211 Texas (dial 2-1-1 from any phone). 211 is a free referral service that connects you to local housing programs, emergency rental help, and social services.

Background checks and criminal history

PAHA runs a criminal background check on all applicants. Certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses — will disqualify you permanently or for a set period. PAHA has some discretion; they may consider the age of the offense, what you have done since, and whether you pose a current risk.

If you have a criminal record, call PAHA before you explore and ask whether your specific offense will disqualify you. Do not wait until you have submitted all your paperwork. Some convictions can be appealed or reconsidered after a certain number of years have passed. PAHA staff can explain the policy and tell you whether you have options.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, PAHA will offer you a unit when one becomes available. You sign a lease, pay a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent, sometimes waived for very low-income households), and move in. Your rent is recalculated each year based on your income.

If you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, you receive the voucher document and a set number of days to find a landlord. You search for an apartment, negotiate the lease with the landlord, and then bring the lease to PAHA for approval. PAHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (working heat, no lead paint, safe electrical system, etc.). Once approved, the landlord signs an agreement with PAHA, and you move in.

In both cases, PAHA can terminate your information if you violate the lease, fail to pay your portion of rent, or no longer meet income requirements. You have the right to a hearing before termination in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wait list open right now?

Most likely not. PAHA's wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are usually closed. Call (409) 983-8664 to ask the current status. If it is closed, ask whether you can be added to a future list so you are notified if it reopens.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

You do not meet the requirement and cannot be admitted. Income limits are set by HUD and PAHA cannot waive them. However, call and confirm the exact limit for your household size — it changes each year and varies by program.

Can I use my voucher outside Port Arthur?

Yes, in most cases. Vouchers are portable within a certain region. You can use it in Port Arthur or in many surrounding areas, but you must notify PAHA before you move and the new landlord must agree to accept the voucher. Some areas outside the region require special permission.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

PAHA considers evictions during the background check. A recent eviction (within the past few years) may disqualify you, but older evictions or evictions due to circumstances beyond your control (like a landlord's foreclosure) may be overlooked. Call and explain your situation before you explore.

How long does it take to get approved?

If the wait list is open and you submit all required documents, approval typically takes four to eight weeks. PAHA must verify your income, run a background check, and contact your references. If documents are missing, the process takes longer.