What the Savannah Housing Authority does

The Savannah Housing Authority (SHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Savannah and Chatham County, Georgia. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it contracts with private landlords who agree to rent units to low-income residents, and SHA pays a portion of the rent directly to those landlords. SHA also runs public housing communities where it owns the buildings outright.

The agency's main programs are the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8), public housing, and project-based vouchers tied to specific apartment complexes. SHA is run by a board of commissioners and a executive director, and it answers to HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) for how it spends federal money and manages its waiting lists.

Key Takeaways

  • The Savannah Housing Authority manages three main programs: Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and project-based vouchers, each with separate waiting lists.
  • Most SHA programs require your household income to fall below 50 percent of the area median income, though the exact limit depends on family size and program type.
  • Waiting lists for Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are typically closed, and you can only add your name when SHA opens applications — which may happen once a year or less frequently.
  • SHA pays landlords directly, so you will need a signed lease and landlord contact information before you can use a voucher.
  • You can reach SHA at 912-651-6470 or visit their office at 2 East 41st Street, Savannah, to ask about current waiting list status or program details.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

The Housing Choice Voucher program is SHA's largest program. When you receive a voucher, SHA pays your landlord a portion of your rent — typically 60 to 75 percent — and you pay the rest from your own income. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific apartment, so you can use it at any rental property in Savannah or Chatham County where the landlord is willing to participate and the rent is reasonable for the area.

To use a voucher, you must first find an apartment and get the landlord to sign a lease. Then SHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe plumbing, working heat, no lead paint hazards, and so on). Once the inspection passes, SHA and the landlord sign a contract, and your rent payments begin. You stay on the program as long as your income stays below the limit and you follow the lease and SHA's rules.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers is almost always closed. SHA opens applications only when it has funding to issue new vouchers, which may be once a year or even less often. When the list does open, SHA typically accepts applications for a limited time — sometimes just a few weeks — and then closes it again. You can call SHA at 912-651-6470 to ask whether applications are currently open.

Public housing communities managed by SHA

SHA owns and operates several public housing communities in Savannah where you rent directly from the authority rather than from a private landlord. These include scattered-site homes and apartment complexes. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, which is usually lower than market rent in the area. Like the voucher program, public housing has income limits and a waiting list.

Public housing waiting lists are also typically closed. When SHA does open the list, it may prioritize households with specific needs — such as families with children, elderly residents, or people with disabilities — depending on the community and current demand. Call SHA to find out whether public housing applications are open and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and who can participate

To participate in any SHA program, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. For most programs, that threshold is 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Chatham County. The exact income limit depends on your household size. A single person's limit is different from a family of four's limit, and those limits change each year based on HUD calculations.

SHA will ask you to provide proof of income — pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment paperwork — so they can verify that your household qualifies. If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to participate. If your income rises after you are already in a program, SHA will recalculate your rent, but you will not be removed from the program when ready.

How to contact SHA and find current information

The Savannah Housing Authority's main office is located at 2 East 41st Street, Savannah, GA 31405. You can reach them by phone at 912-651-6470 during business hours. The best way to find out whether waiting lists are open is to call and ask directly, because opening dates and process periods are not always posted online in advance.

When you call, have your household size and approximate income ready so SHA can tell you whether you likely meet the income limit. If you do, ask what the current waiting list status is and what documents you will need to bring if you decide to explore. SHA staff can also answer questions about specific programs and what to expect during the process.

What happens after you are placed on a waiting list

Once your name is on a waiting list, SHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. The wait time varies — it may be a few months or several years, depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you. SHA will keep your contact information on file, so it is important to update them if you move or change your phone number.

When SHA calls you, they will ask you to come to the office to complete your paperwork and sign a lease (for public housing) or receive your voucher (for the Housing Choice Voucher program). If you do not respond or do not show up, SHA may remove you from the list. Once you are in a program, you will have a lease or voucher agreement that explains your rights and responsibilities, including how rent is calculated and what happens if you violate the lease.

Project-based vouchers and other SHA programs

SHA also manages project-based vouchers, which are tied to specific apartment complexes rather than to individual tenants. If you live in a project-based voucher building, your rent is subsidized, but you cannot take the voucher with you if you move. These programs have their own waiting lists and may have different rules than Housing Choice Vouchers.

SHA occasionally runs special programs for specific populations — such as veterans, people with disabilities, or families experiencing homelessness — in partnership with other agencies. Call SHA to ask whether any targeted programs are currently open and whether you might be may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing after I am on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely and depend on the program, the number of people ahead of you, and how many units or vouchers become available. Some people wait months; others wait years. SHA can tell you the average wait time for each program when you call, though that average changes as people move or leave the program.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher in a different city or county?

Housing Choice Vouchers issued by SHA can be used in Savannah and Chatham County. If you want to move to a different area, you may be able to transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but that authority must have funding available and must accept the transfer. Contact SHA to ask about portability options before you move.

What if my landlord will not accept a Housing Choice Voucher?

Landlords are not required to participate in the voucher program, so some will refuse. You will need to find a different property where the landlord is willing to accept a voucher. SHA can provide a list of landlords who have participated in the past, though that list is not exhaustive and landlord participation changes over time.

Do I have to pay anything to get on a waiting list?

No. SHA does not charge any fee to add your name to a waiting list or to explore for programs. If anyone tells you that you must pay money to get on a list or to receive housing information, that is a scam. Contact SHA directly to report it.

What if my income goes up after I move into SHA housing?

SHA will recalculate your rent based on your new income, and you will likely pay more. However, you will not be when ready removed from the program. SHA will work with you to adjust your rent over time. If your income rises significantly above the program limit, SHA may eventually ask you to leave, but they will give you notice and time to find other housing.