What the Waco Housing Authority does

The Waco Housing Authority is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in McLennan County. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it administers federal funding that helps low-income residents afford rent, and it operates a smaller portfolio of public housing units. The agency answers to a board of commissioners and works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

If you are looking for affordable housing in Waco, the Housing Authority is the first place to contact. It runs the Section 8 voucher program (which pays part of your rent at a private landlord's property), manages public housing communities, and sometimes administers emergency rental information when funding is available. The office is located in Waco and serves residents across the county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waco Housing Authority manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing units for low-income residents in McLennan County.
  • To learn about programs, you contact the Housing Authority directly — they maintain waiting lists and can tell you current wait times and income limits.
  • Section 8 vouchers typically have a waiting list that can be months or years long, depending on funding and local demand.
  • Public housing units are separate from vouchers and have their own waiting list and income requirements.
  • The Housing Authority's office hours, phone number, and current program status are available on their official website or by calling their main line.

Section 8 vouchers and how they work

A Section 8 voucher is a federal rental subsidy that pays a portion of your rent directly to a private landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and the Housing Authority pays the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. You pay the remainder out of your own income.

The Waco Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. When your name reaches the top and a voucher becomes available, you receive it and have a set time to find a may have access to apartment. The landlord must agree to participate in the program and the unit must pass an inspection. Once you move in, the Housing Authority continues to pay the landlord each month as long as you remain income-may be able to access and follow program rules.

Wait times for Section 8 in Waco vary depending on funding levels and how many people are on the list. The Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you contact them. Some years the list opens to new applicants; other years it may be closed. You can only find out by calling or visiting their office.

Public housing units managed by the Housing Authority

The Waco Housing Authority owns and operates a number of public housing communities — apartment complexes built with federal funding specifically for low-income residents. These are different from Section 8 vouchers. You live in a Housing Authority-owned unit and pay rent based on your income, typically 30 percent of what you earn.

Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. Income limits explore, and the Housing Authority will ask for proof of income, residency, and background information. Units vary in size and location across Waco. Like Section 8, the waiting list can be long, and you should contact the Housing Authority to learn current wait times and whether they are accepting new applications.

How to contact the Waco Housing Authority

The Housing Authority's main office is in Waco. You can reach them by phone to ask about current programs, wait times, and how to get on a list. Their staff can tell you whether Section 8 or public housing applications are open, what documents you will need to bring, and what the income limits are for your household size.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and a photo ID ready. If you are explore for public housing or a voucher, you will need to complete an process in person. The Housing Authority does not process applications by mail or online.

You can also search for the Waco Housing Authority's official website, which may list office hours, phone numbers, and any current program updates. HUD's website (hud.gov) also has a tool to find local housing authorities and their contact information.

Income limits and who can explore

Both Section 8 and public housing have income limits based on household size and area median income. In Waco, a single person might have a different limit than a family of four. The Housing Authority sets these limits each year based on HUD guidelines, and they change annually.

You must also meet other requirements: you need to be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, you cannot have certain criminal convictions, and you must not have been evicted from public housing in the past. The Housing Authority will explain all requirements when you explore. If you have questions about whether you meet the criteria, ask during your first call — they can give you a quick answer based on your household size and income.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Once you submit an process and are placed on a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation. The Housing Authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. You must respond within a set time frame, usually a few days or a week, or you may lose your spot.

If you move or your contact information changes, you must notify the Housing Authority when ready. If you do not respond when they call, your process may be closed and you will have to reapply. Keep your phone number current and answer calls from the Housing Authority's office.

Emergency rental information and other programs

Beyond Section 8 and public housing, the Waco Housing Authority may administer emergency rental information when federal funding is available. These programs help people who have fallen behind on rent due to job loss, illness, or other hardship. Funding comes and goes depending on federal appropriations, so availability changes year to year.

The Housing Authority can tell you whether emergency information is currently open and what you need to bring to explore. If you are facing eviction or have unpaid rent, ask about this program when you call. Other local nonprofits and the city of Waco may also offer rental help, and the Housing Authority can point you toward those resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Waco?

Wait times vary and change based on funding and demand. The Waco Housing Authority can tell you the current wait time when you call. In some years it may be several months; in others it can be years. The only way to know is to contact them directly.

Can I explore for both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waiting lists, so you can explore to both. Being on one list does not affect your chances on the other. You will need to complete an process for each program.

What if I have a criminal record?

Certain convictions may disqualify you from public housing or Section 8, but not all criminal history is a barrier. The Housing Authority reviews each case individually. Call and ask — they can tell you whether your specific situation affects your may be able to access without requiring you to come in first.

Do I have to live in Waco to explore?

The Waco Housing Authority serves McLennan County. You do not have to live in Waco city limits, but you must live or work in the county. Ask the Housing Authority about residency requirements when you call, as rules can vary by program.

What if the waiting list is closed?

When a waiting list is closed, you cannot explore until it reopens. The Housing Authority will tell you when that might happen — sometimes it is a few months, sometimes longer. You can ask to be notified when the list opens again, or call back periodically to check.