What the Spokane Housing Authority does

The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Spokane County, Washington. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing properties, and handles emergency rental information when funding is available. SHA does not build or own most of the housing — it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits, and it processes applications for people who need help paying rent.

SHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the programs it runs, the income limits it uses, and the documents it requires follow a national structure, though SHA staff make local decisions about how fast applications move and which programs have money available right now.

The agency is located in Spokane and serves Spokane County. If you live outside the county, you will need to contact your own county or city housing authority instead.

Key Takeaways

  • SHA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information — three separate programs with different income limits and wait times.
  • You contact SHA directly to ask about current wait times and whether programs are open; this information changes and is not posted permanently online.
  • Section 8 vouchers typically have a wait list that closes and reopens; you cannot know if you will receive one until SHA processes your process.
  • Emergency rental information is available only when SHA has funding; the program may be closed, and reopening dates are not set in advance.
  • SHA requires proof of income, residency, and a signed lease or rental agreement before processing most applications.

Section 8 vouchers through SHA

A Section 8 voucher is a monthly payment SHA sends to your landlord on your behalf. You pay a portion of your rent (usually 30 percent of your income), and SHA pays the rest, up to a limit set by HUD. The voucher is tied to you, not to a specific apartment, so you can use it at any landlord who accepts the program.

SHA maintains a wait list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens and closes depending on how many vouchers SHA has available and how many people are waiting. When the list is open, you can submit an process. When it is closed, you cannot. SHA does not announce opening dates in advance — you must call or visit in person to find out whether the list is currently open.

Wait times vary. Some applicants receive a voucher within months; others wait years. SHA prioritizes certain groups — people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children — but the exact order depends on when you applied and your household circumstances.

Public housing managed by SHA

SHA owns and manages apartment buildings throughout Spokane County. These are called public housing units. Rent is based on your income, usually 30 percent of what you earn. Public housing has its own wait list, separate from Section 8.

Public housing units are scattered across the county, not concentrated in one location. SHA assigns you to an available unit based on family size and your preferences, but you do not choose the specific building or neighborhood. The process process is similar to Section 8: you provide income verification, residency proof, and references.

Like Section 8, the public housing wait list opens and closes. You need to contact SHA directly to learn whether you can explore right now.

Emergency rental information from SHA

When SHA receives federal or state funding for emergency rental information, it pays landlords directly to cover rent you owe. This program is not permanent — it runs only when money is available. SHA may have funds one month and be closed the next.

To use emergency rental information, you typically need a signed lease, proof that you fell behind on rent due to a recent hardship (job loss, illness, reduced hours), and documentation of your income. SHA pays the landlord, not you, so you will need your landlord's contact information and their agreement to accept the payment.

Processing time is usually two to four weeks, but it can be longer if SHA is processing many applications at once. Before you explore, call SHA to confirm the program is currently open — if funding has run out, your process will be rejected.

Income limits and what you need to bring

All SHA programs have income limits based on family size and area median income. These limits change each year. A family of four might have a limit of around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, but the exact number depends on HUD's current calculation for Spokane County. SHA will tell you the current limit when you call or visit.

For any SHA program, you will need to bring or submit:

  • Proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your hourly rate and hours per week.
  • Proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address.
  • A signed lease or rental agreement (for Section 8 and emergency rental information).
  • Photo identification.
  • Social Security numbers for all household members.

SHA may also request references from previous landlords, a background check authorization, and documentation of any hardship (for emergency rental information). Ask SHA staff what documents they need before you gather everything — requirements vary slightly by program.

How to contact the Spokane Housing Authority

SHA is located in Spokane and can be reached by phone, mail, or in-person visit. The best way to learn about current wait times and whether programs are open is to call directly — this information is not reliably posted online and changes frequently.

When you call, have your household size and approximate income ready. SHA staff can tell you whether you likely meet the income limit, whether the wait list is open, and what documents you need to bring. If you are explore for emergency rental information, ask specifically whether funding is available right now.

You can also visit SHA in person to submit an process or ask questions. In-person visits sometimes move faster than phone calls, especially if you bring all required documents with you.

What happens after you submit an process

SHA will review your income, residency, and references. For Section 8 and public housing, this process can take several weeks. SHA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you were approved, denied, or placed on a wait list.

If you are approved for Section 8, SHA will issue you a voucher packet with instructions on how to search for an apartment and how to submit a lease to SHA for approval. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a place and move in.

If you are approved for emergency rental information, SHA will contact your landlord directly to arrange payment. You do not receive the money yourself — it goes to the landlord to cover the arrears you owe.

If you are denied, SHA will send a letter explaining why. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Section 8 wait list in Spokane?

Wait times vary and change based on how many vouchers SHA has and how many people are waiting. Some applicants receive a voucher within six months to a year; others wait several years. Call SHA directly for the current estimate — they can tell you based on when you applied and your household priority.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher at any apartment in Spokane?

No. The landlord must be willing to accept Section 8. Many do, but some refuse. When you find an apartment, ask the landlord whether they accept vouchers before you explore. SHA can also provide a list of landlords who have worked with the program in the past.

What if I am behind on rent right now — can SHA help when ready?

SHA can help through emergency rental information, but only if the program is currently funded and open. Call SHA to ask whether emergency information is available. If it is, processing usually takes two to four weeks, so you should tell your landlord you have applied and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction while SHA reviews your case.

Do I have to live in Spokane to use SHA programs?

You must live in Spokane County. If you live in a different county in Washington, contact that county's housing authority instead. If you live outside Washington, contact your state or local housing authority.

What if I was denied for Section 8 — can I reapply?

Yes. If you were denied because your income was too high, you can reapply if your income drops. If you were denied for other reasons, ask SHA what you need to change before reapplying. You can also request a hearing to appeal the denial.