What the Selma Housing Authority does

The Selma Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Selma, Alabama. It administers public housing — apartments it owns and rents to low-income residents — and manages the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8. SHA does not build or own all the housing in Selma; it leases units from private landlords and pays part of the rent on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.

SHA is separate from the city government, though it operates under state and federal rules. It has its own board, staff, and waiting lists. If you live in Selma and need to reach SHA about public housing or a voucher, you contact SHA directly — not the city housing department or a nonprofit.

The agency also manages some federal grants for housing repairs and may administer emergency rental funds during crises, though those programs change year to year. Your first step is always to call or visit SHA to learn what programs are currently open and whether you meet the income and residency requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Selma Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing (apartments SHA owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use at private landlords).
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which changes each year and depends on family size.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are usually open, but can close when they grow too long; SHA's website or a phone call tells you the current status.
  • SHA's office is located in Selma, and you must explore in person or by mail — there is no online process portal.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, it can take months or years to reach the top, depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Public housing: what you rent and what you pay

SHA owns and manages apartment complexes in Selma. When you live in public housing, SHA is your landlord. You sign a lease with SHA, not a private owner. The rent you pay is based on your household income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income, though SHA can set it lower. If your income drops, your rent drops; if it rises, your rent rises.

SHA maintains the building, handles repairs, and enforces lease terms. You are responsible for keeping your unit clean, paying utilities (unless SHA includes them in the lease), and following house rules. If you fall behind on rent or violate the lease, SHA can evict you through the court system.

Public housing units are not scattered throughout Selma; they are concentrated in specific developments. SHA can tell you which developments have units available and what the current wait time is. Some developments may have shorter waits than others.

Housing Choice Vouchers: how the subsidy works

A Housing Choice Voucher is a rent subsidy that you carry to a private landlord. SHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent; you pay the rest. The amount SHA pays depends on the fair market rent for your area and your household income. You choose where to live — any apartment in Selma or nearby areas where the landlord accepts vouchers — as long as the unit passes a SHA inspection and the rent is not above the program's payment standard.

You pay roughly 30 percent of your income toward rent; SHA covers the difference up to its payment limit. If you find a cheaper apartment, you pay less. If you find one that costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket. This gives you more choice than public housing, but also more responsibility for finding and keeping a unit.

Landlords are not required to accept vouchers. Some do; many do not. SHA maintains a list of landlords who have participated before, but you can also approach any landlord and ask if they will accept a voucher. Once SHA approves the unit and you sign a lease, the subsidy begins.

Income limits and who can explore

Both public housing and vouchers are limited to households earning below a certain income. The limit changes each year and depends on family size. For example, the limit for a family of four might be around $45,000 gross annual income, but this varies. SHA publishes the current year's limits on its website or can tell you over the phone.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. SHA will ask for proof of identity and immigration documents. If anyone in your household is not a citizen, tell SHA during the process — some mixed-status households can still receive benefits, but the rules are complex.

You do not have to be homeless or in crisis to explore. You can explore while you are currently renting, living with family, or in any housing situation. SHA only cares that your income is low enough and that you need information.

how the process works and what documents you need

Visit or call the Selma Housing Authority office to request an process. SHA does not have an online portal; you must explore in person or by mail. When you explore, bring or send proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of residency in Selma (a utility bill or lease), and Social Security numbers for all household members.

If you are unemployed, bring documentation of that status — a letter from your employer, unemployment benefits paperwork, or a statement from a job center. If you receive benefits (TANF, SSI, SNAP), bring the award letter. SHA wants to see what you actually earn, not what you think you earn.

After you submit your process, SHA will contact you to schedule an interview. At the interview, you will answer questions about your household, income, and housing needs. SHA staff will verify the information you provided. This process usually takes two to four weeks.

Waiting lists and how long it takes to get housing

Once SHA approves your process, you go on a waiting list. The waiting list is first-come, first-served in most cases, though SHA may give priority to people who are homeless, have disabilities, or are elderly. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units become available.

For public housing, waits can range from a few months to several years, depending on the development and the current demand. For vouchers, waits are often shorter but still measured in months. SHA can tell you the approximate wait time when you explore, but that number changes as people move in and out of the program.

While you are on the waiting list, SHA may contact you to update your information or confirm you still want housing. If you do not respond, SHA can remove you from the list. Keep your contact information current with SHA.

What happens after you are approved

When a unit becomes available (for public housing) or when SHA approves you to begin searching (for vouchers), SHA will contact you. For public housing, SHA will show you available units and you choose one. For vouchers, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 days — to find an apartment and have SHA approve it.

Before you move in, the unit must pass a SHA inspection. An inspector checks that the apartment meets housing quality standards: the roof does not leak, the plumbing works, the heat works, there is no mold or pest damage, and so on. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

Once the unit passes inspection, you sign a lease and move in. For public housing, you pay SHA rent each month. For vouchers, you pay the landlord your share and SHA pays its share directly to the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a Selma resident yet?

Most housing authorities require you to live in their jurisdiction or have a job there. Contact SHA directly to ask about residency requirements. Some people on the waiting list move away and then move back; SHA can tell you whether that affects your place on the list.

What if my income goes up after I move in?

For public housing, your rent will increase. SHA will recalculate it based on your new income. For vouchers, your share of rent may increase, but SHA's payment may stay the same. Either way, you stay in the program — earning more does not kick you out when ready. SHA will eventually re-examine your income at your annual recertification.

Can I own a car or have savings and still get housing information?

SHA does not limit how much money you can have in savings or how many cars you own. The program only looks at income. If you have $50,000 in the bank but earn $20,000 a year, you can still be approved.

What if I want to move to a different unit?

For public housing, you can request a transfer to another SHA development, but SHA decides whether to approve it. For vouchers, you can move to a different apartment at any time — you just need SHA to inspect and approve the new unit before you sign a lease.

How do I contact the Selma Housing Authority?

Call SHA's main office during business hours or visit in person. The office address and phone number are on SHA's website. You can also ask 211 (dial 2-1-1) for SHA's contact information and current program status.