What the Texarkana Texas Housing Authority does

The Texarkana Texas Housing Authority (TTHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in the Texarkana area. It does not set housing policy for the entire state — it runs programs specific to Bowie County and the city of Texarkana, Texas. The agency owns and maintains public housing units, administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and handles other federal rental information funds that flow through local authorities.

TTHA is separate from the state housing authority and from HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), though it receives federal money and operates under federal rules. If you live in Texarkana, Texas and need rental help or public housing, TTHA is the body you contact — not a state office or a national hotline.

Key Takeaways

  • TTHA manages public housing units and Section 8 vouchers for Bowie County and Texarkana, Texas; you must live in that area to use its programs.
  • Section 8 vouchers usually have a waiting list, and TTHA opens and closes the list based on how many vouchers it has available.
  • Public housing and Section 8 both require income verification and a background check before you can move in.
  • You can reach TTHA directly by phone or in person at its office; calling first is faster than showing up without an appointment.
  • If you are facing eviction or need emergency rent help, TTHA can tell you whether emergency funds are available in your area.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers through TTHA

The Section 8 program lets TTHA give you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private landlord's property. You find the apartment, the landlord agrees to take Section 8, and TTHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest out of pocket, usually 30 percent of your household income or a set amount, whichever is less.

TTHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens and closes depending on how many vouchers the authority has. When the list is closed, you cannot add your name. TTHA publishes when it will open the list again, but the timing varies — it may be months or years. Call TTHA directly to find out whether the list is currently open and how to add your name if it is.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it. Not all landlords participate in Section 8, so you will need to ask before you sign a lease. TTHA staff can give you a list of landlords in the area who have worked with the program before.

Public housing units managed by TTHA

TTHA also owns and operates public housing apartments and townhomes in Texarkana. These are different from Section 8 — TTHA is your landlord, not a private owner. Rent is based on your income, typically 30 percent of what your household earns. The authority handles maintenance and repairs.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Like the Section 8 list, it opens and closes based on availability. Income limits explore — you must earn below a certain threshold to move into public housing. TTHA can tell you the current income limit and whether units are available.

Both public housing and Section 8 require you to pass a background check and provide proof of income. TTHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you have an eviction or criminal record, TTHA may still consider you, but the decision depends on how recent the incident was and what it was for.

How to contact Texarkana Texas Housing Authority

TTHA has a physical office in Texarkana where you can explore in person or call with questions. The office address and phone number are listed on the TTHA website. Call before you visit — staff can tell you what documents to bring and whether the waiting list is open. Phone lines are usually busier in the morning, so calling in the afternoon may get you through faster.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income, and a list of household members ready. If you are explore for Section 8, ask whether the waiting list is open and how long it typically takes to reach your name. If you are asking about public housing, ask about current vacancies and income limits.

Emergency rental help and eviction prevention

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, TTHA can tell you whether emergency rental information is available through the city or county. These funds are separate from Section 8 and public housing — they are one-time payments to landlords to cover arrears or prevent eviction. TTHA does not always administer these funds itself, but staff know which local programs exist and whether they are currently open.

Emergency funds run out quickly and reopen on different schedules. TTHA can tell you in one call whether money is available right now and what documents you need. If the fund is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can be added to a waiting list.

What to expect after you explore

After you submit an process to TTHA, the authority will verify your income and run a background check. This takes two to four weeks on average, though it can be longer if TTHA needs to contact your employer or if the background check is delayed. TTHA will call or mail you with the result.

If you are approved, TTHA will place you on the waiting list for public housing or give you a Section 8 voucher. For Section 8, you then have a limited time to find a landlord. For public housing, you wait for a unit to become available. TTHA will contact you when a unit is ready and will schedule a move-in date.

If you are denied, TTHA must tell you why. Common reasons include income that is too high, a criminal record, or an eviction within a certain time frame. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. TTHA will explain how to request a hearing if you are denied.

Income limits and rent calculations

TTHA sets income limits for both Section 8 and public housing based on federal guidelines. These limits change each year and depend on household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. TTHA publishes the current limits on its website or can tell you over the phone.

For Section 8, your rent contribution is usually 30 percent of your gross household income, but TTHA may set a minimum or maximum amount. For public housing, the calculation is the same. If your income changes after you move in, your rent may go up or down. You must report income changes to TTHA within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Texarkana?

Yes, TTHA maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. The list opens and closes based on how many vouchers are available. Call TTHA to find out whether the list is currently open and how to add your name. If the list is closed, ask when it will reopen.

What documents do I need to bring when I explore?

Bring a photo ID, proof of Social Security number, recent pay stubs or tax returns, and a list of everyone in your household. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the last two years. If you receive benefits, bring a letter from the agency. TTHA can tell you exactly what it needs before you visit.

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

No, the landlord must agree to accept Section 8. Not all landlords participate in the program. TTHA can give you a list of landlords who have worked with Section 8 before, or you can ask landlords directly whether they accept vouchers.

What happens if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

You must report income changes to TTHA within 30 days. Your rent contribution will likely increase. If your income exceeds the program limit, you may lose the voucher, though TTHA usually gives you time to find other housing.

How long does it take to get approved for public housing or Section 8?

The approval process usually takes two to four weeks after you submit your process. Background checks and income verification can take longer if TTHA needs additional documents. After approval, you wait on the list for a unit or voucher to become available, which can take months or longer.