What the Tacoma Housing Authority does

The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in the Tacoma area. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords to rent units to people who may have access to, and it manages waiting lists for public housing it does own. The agency also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and administers vouchers that reduce what tenants pay in rent.

THA serves Pierce County, which includes Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, and surrounding communities. If you live or work in that area and your income is below a certain threshold, you may be able to use THA programs. The threshold changes each year and depends on household size.

The most common way people interact with THA is through the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8. This program gives tenants a voucher that covers part of their rent; the tenant pays the rest. THA also manages public housing units it owns directly, though the waiting list for those is typically longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Tacoma Housing Authority runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), public housing, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness in Pierce County.
  • Income limits vary by household size and change annually; you can find the current limits on THA's website or by calling their main office.
  • The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers is usually open, but the list for public housing units can close when demand is high.
  • You must explore directly with THA; there is no online process portal, so you will need to contact them by phone, mail, or in person.
  • Processing times vary, but you should expect several months from process to receiving a voucher or being offered a unit.

How to contact Tacoma Housing Authority

THA's main office is located at 902 South L Street in Tacoma. You can reach them by phone at (253) 207-4400 during business hours. They also accept applications by mail and in person at their office.

The agency's website is tacomahousing.org, where you can find current income limits, program details, and information about whether waiting lists are open. The website also lists the documents you will need to bring when you explore, such as proof of income, identification, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

If you are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, THA runs supportive housing programs. You can also contact the Pierce County 211 line by dialing 211 from any phone to be referred to THA programs or other local housing resources.

Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is THA's largest program. It works by giving you a voucher that subsidizes your rent at a private landlord's property. You find the rental unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and THA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of your own income.

The amount THA pays depends on the size of the unit and the neighborhood. THA sets a maximum rent it will cover for each bedroom size in different areas of Pierce County. If you find a unit that rents for less than that maximum, you pay less. If the unit costs more, you pay the difference — or you can look for a cheaper unit.

To use a voucher, you must have a household income below THA's limit for your household size. The limit changes each year. For example, in 2024 the limit for a single person was around $38,000 per year, but you should check THA's current limits because they vary. You also need a valid Social Security number and cannot have certain criminal convictions or housing history issues.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers is usually open, but it can close temporarily if demand is very high. When you explore, THA will tell you whether the list is open and give you an estimate of how long you might wait. Wait times can range from several months to over a year depending on how many people are ahead of you.

Public housing units

THA owns and manages public housing units throughout Pierce County. These are apartments or townhouses that THA rents directly to low-income tenants. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes.

The waiting list for public housing is typically longer than the voucher list because there are fewer units available. The list often closes when it reaches a certain size. If you want to explore for public housing, call THA to find out whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is in your area.

Public housing units are scattered throughout Pierce County, so you do not get to choose the location. THA will offer you a unit when one becomes available and you reach the top of the waiting list. You can turn down one or two offers without losing your place, but turning down more than that may remove you from the list.

Supportive housing and homelessness programs

THA runs several programs for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These programs combine affordable housing with services like case management, mental health support, and job training. The programs are designed for people with very low incomes and often prioritize people with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Supportive housing programs include rapid rehousing, which helps people move quickly from homelessness into permanent housing, and permanent supportive housing, which provides long-term housing with ongoing support services. may be able to access and process processes vary by program.

To learn about supportive housing options, contact THA directly or call 211 to be connected to local homelessness services. Staff can tell you which programs might be a fit for your situation and what you need to bring to explore.

Income limits and rent calculations

THA programs have income limits based on the area median income for Pierce County. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and change each year. Income limits also vary by household size — a family of four has a higher limit than a single person.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts. THA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters to verify your income.

If you are accepted into a program, your rent is typically set at 30 percent of your gross household income. If your income changes, your rent may change too. You will need to report income changes to THA so they can recalculate your rent.

What documents you need to explore

When you explore to THA, bring government-issued photo identification for each household member, such as a driver's license or passport. You will also need Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for everyone in your household.

Bring proof of income for the past 30 days, such as recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or benefit statements from Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years. If you have no income, bring a letter explaining your situation.

You will also need to provide proof of residency in Pierce County, such as a utility bill or lease agreement in your name. If you are currently homeless, THA can work with you without proof of residency. Bring any documentation of your housing history, such as eviction notices or letters from previous landlords, because THA will verify your rental background.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher or housing unit?

Processing times vary. From process to receiving a voucher or being offered a unit typically takes several months to over a year, depending on how many people are on the waiting list ahead of you and how quickly THA can process your process. Once you receive a voucher, you then have time to find a landlord who will accept it, which can take additional weeks or months.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on how recent the eviction was and the reason. THA does not automatically reject applicants with eviction history, but they will review the details. Some evictions may disqualify you; others may not. Contact THA directly to discuss your specific situation before explore.

What if my income goes up after I receive a voucher?

If your income increases, your rent contribution will increase because it is based on 30 percent of your income. You will still keep your voucher, but you will pay more each month. THA will recalculate your rent based on your new income.

Can I use my voucher at any rental property?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and the property must meet THA's standards for safety and condition. THA inspects units before approving them. Some landlords do not accept vouchers, so you may need to contact multiple landlords to find one willing to participate in the program.

What happens if I lose my job while on the waiting list?

Report the change to THA. Your income status may affect your priority on the waiting list or your rent calculation once you are housed, but losing your job does not automatically remove you from the waiting list. THA will work with you to update your process.