What the Tacoma Housing Authority Does

The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Pierce County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. THA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency information programs. You explore directly to THA, not to individual landlords, and THA determines whether you meet the income and other requirements for each program.

THA's main office is located in Tacoma, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person. The agency maintains a waitlist for most programs because demand exceeds available funding. Being on a waitlist does not mean you will eventually receive information — it means your name is recorded and THA will contact you if funding becomes available and your turn comes up.

Key Takeaways

  • THA administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and emergency rental information, but most programs have closed waitlists and you cannot explore right now.
  • Your household income must fall below a specific limit set by HUD each year, and THA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify.
  • You can call THA directly to ask whether a specific program is open and what documents you need before visiting in person.
  • If you are facing eviction or homelessness, contact Pierce County's 211 line or a local homeless services provider instead of waiting for THA's waitlist to open.

THA's Main Programs and Current Waitlist Status

THA runs three primary programs. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers give you a voucher worth a set amount each month that you can use to rent from any landlord who accepts the program — THA pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest. Public Housing means you rent an apartment that THA owns directly. Emergency Rental information covers back rent or utilities when you are behind and at risk of eviction.

As of the most recent updates, THA's Section 8 voucher waitlist is closed, and the public housing waitlist is also closed. The emergency rental information program status changes based on funding, so you should contact THA directly to ask whether it is currently open. Waitlists can reopen without notice when new funding arrives, so calling THA every few months to check is a reasonable strategy if you need housing information.

THA also manages the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, which pairs housing information with job training and financial counseling. This program is typically available only to people already receiving Section 8 or public housing, so you cannot enter FSS directly from the street.

Income Limits and What You Need to Prove

To may have access to for any THA program, your household income must be at or below a percentage of the area median income. HUD sets these limits each year, and they vary based on household size. For a single person in Pierce County, the limit is typically around 50% of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. THA publishes current income limits on its website, and you can call to ask what the limit is for your household size.

THA will ask you to prove your income. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, tax returns from the past two years, Social Security statements, unemployment benefit letters, or child support documentation. If you are self-employed, THA will want to see business tax returns. If you have no income, bring documentation of that — a letter from a social service agency, a statement from a shelter, or a written statement you sign under penalty of perjury.

You will also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency in Pierce County. A utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your address counts as proof of residency.

How to Contact THA and What to Expect

The Tacoma Housing Authority's main phone line is (253) 207-4400. You can call to ask whether a specific program is open, what the current income limit is, and what documents you should bring if you want to explore. THA staff can tell you over the phone whether you are likely to meet the income requirement, which saves you a trip if you are over the limit.

If a program is open and you want to explore, THA will give you an appointment or tell you to come in during walk-in hours. Bring all documents with you — originals or certified copies, not photos. The process process usually takes one to two hours. After you submit your process, THA will contact you within a few weeks to tell you whether you were approved, denied, or need to provide more information.

THA's office is at 1707 South J Street, Tacoma, WA 98405. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm before visiting.

What Happens After You Are Approved

If you are approved for Section 8, THA will issue you a voucher and give you a list of landlords who participate in the program. You then search for an apartment on your own and negotiate with the landlord. Once you and the landlord agree, THA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. If it passes, THA signs a contract with the landlord and you move in. The whole process from approval to move-in usually takes two to four months.

If you are approved for public housing, THA will place you on a separate waitlist for available units. Public housing units are owned by THA, and you pay rent based on your income — typically 30% of your monthly income. Waiting time for a public housing unit varies widely, from a few months to several years depending on unit availability and your household size.

Once you are housed, you must report changes in income, household composition, or employment to THA within 30 days. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment of information or program termination.

If You Need Help Right Now and Cannot Wait for THA

If you are facing eviction, homelessness, or a utility shutoff in the next few days or weeks, THA's waitlist will not help you. Instead, contact Pierce County 211 by dialing 211 or visiting 211.org. The 211 service connects you with emergency rental information, homeless shelters, utility information, and other crisis programs that may have funding available now.

You can also reach out to local nonprofits such as Community Health Plan United, Tacoma Community House, or the Salvation Army, which run emergency information programs separate from THA. These programs often have shorter waitlists and faster approval times than THA, though they typically cover smaller amounts or shorter periods.

If you are homeless or at when ready risk, call the Pierce County Homeless Hotline at (253) 535-7280 to find shelter and services in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to THA if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status to receive THA information. Bring your green card, work permit, or other immigration documentation when you explore. THA will verify your status with federal databases. If you are undocumented, you do not may have access to for THA programs, but you may be able to access emergency rental information through some nonprofit organizations or local programs that do not have citizenship requirements.

How long does it take to get off the waitlist?

There is no set timeline. THA's Section 8 waitlist has thousands of names, and the time from waitlist to approval can be several years or longer. Public housing waitlists are typically shorter but still measured in months to years. Emergency rental information moves faster — usually a few weeks — but only if the program is open and has funding. Call THA to ask how many people are ahead of you on the waitlist for your household size.

What if my income is too high for THA but I still cannot afford rent?

THA programs are designed for households at or below 50% of area median income. If you are above that limit, you do not may have access to. You may be able to find affordable housing through private landlords, rent information programs run by nonprofits, or employer-sponsored housing programs. Call 211 to ask about other resources in Pierce County for people with moderate incomes.

Do I have to pay an process fee to THA?

No. THA does not charge an process fee, and no legitimate housing program should ask you for money upfront. If someone claiming to represent THA asks for a fee, it is a scam. Report it to THA directly at (253) 207-4400.

What if I was denied by THA and want to appeal?

THA must give you a written reason for denial. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. The denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and the important date to do so — usually 10 to 30 days. Contact THA's office to ask for the appeal process and what documents to bring to the hearing.