What West Memphis Housing Authority does

West Memphis Housing Authority (WMHA) is a local public agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in West Memphis, Arkansas. It does not operate statewide — it serves only West Memphis and a small surrounding area. WMHA owns and manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles waitlists for both.

The agency is separate from the city government but works with it on housing policy. If you live in West Memphis and need rental information or public housing, WMHA is the body you contact directly. They do not process applications for other programs like emergency rental funds or state housing credits — those come through different channels.

Key Takeaways

  • West Memphis Housing Authority runs public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) only in West Memphis and its when ready area.
  • Both programs have waitlists that can be closed or open depending on demand; you must call or visit in person to learn the current status.
  • Public housing is owned and managed by WMHA; vouchers let you rent from a private landlord of your choice if they accept the program.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, and identity to be considered for either program.
  • WMHA's office is located in West Memphis; you can reach them by phone or in-person visit to ask about current waitlist status and next steps.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

WMHA manages two separate rental programs. Public housing means WMHA owns the building and you rent directly from the authority. The rent is set at 30 percent of your household income (or a minimum amount set by WMHA, whichever is higher). You live in a unit owned by WMHA, and WMHA handles maintenance and repairs.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently. WMHA gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent at a private apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord must agree to accept the voucher, and WMHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. The voucher amount varies based on the size of unit you need and the local rent market.

Both programs have income limits. Both have waitlists. The waitlist for public housing and the waitlist for vouchers are separate — being on one does not put you on the other. Most people wait longer for vouchers than for public housing in West Memphis, but this changes based on how many units become available.

Income limits and household size requirements

WMHA sets income limits based on the size of your household and the area median income for West Memphis. These limits change each year. A household of one has a lower limit than a household of four. If your income is above the limit, you cannot be admitted to either program.

You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove income. If you receive benefits (Social Security, TANF, child support), bring documentation of those as well. Self-employment income requires tax returns from the past two years.

WMHA also looks at your household composition. You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. Family members living with you count toward your household size. If you are explore for a specific unit size (one-bedroom, two-bedroom), WMHA will verify that the number of people in your household fits the occupancy standards for that size.

How to learn about the waitlist is open

WMHA opens and closes its waitlists based on demand and available units. You cannot know the current status from a website — you must contact the office directly. Call WMHA or visit in person to ask whether the public housing waitlist and the voucher waitlist are currently open.

If a waitlist is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen. Some waitlists reopen on a set schedule (for example, every January); others reopen when units become available. Write down the date you call and what you were told, in case you need to follow up later.

If the waitlist is open, ask what documents you need to bring and whether you can explore in person or by mail. Some housing authorities accept applications only during certain windows; others accept them year-round when the list is open.

Documents you will need to bring

WMHA requires proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You will also need to show where you currently live — a lease, utility bill, or letter from a shelter or social service agency works.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and hourly wage or salary. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, disability, TANF, or child support, bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

If you are explore for public housing, WMHA may also run a background check and contact previous landlords. Bring contact information for your current landlord or previous landlords if you have lived somewhere for less than two years.

What happens after you submit your process

Once WMHA receives your process, they verify the information you provided. This includes checking your income against the limit, confirming your residency and identity, and reviewing your rental history and background. The timeline varies — some applications are processed in a few weeks, others take longer depending on how busy the office is.

If you are found to meet the basic requirements, you are added to the waitlist in the order your process was received. WMHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available. This can take months or years depending on how many people are ahead of you.

If WMHA denies your process, they must give you a written reason. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or a disqualifying background issue. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision.

Contact information and office location

West Memphis Housing Authority is located in West Memphis, Arkansas. You can visit the office in person during business hours to ask about waitlist status, pick up an process, or submit documents. You can also call to ask basic questions about the programs and current waitlist status.

The office staff can tell you whether you likely meet the income limit based on your household size and income, and what documents to bring when you explore. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved — that information comes after your full process is reviewed.

If you need help understanding the programs or have questions about the process process, the WMHA office is your first point of contact. They can also refer you to other local resources if you do not meet the income limit or if the waitlist is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There is no set timeline. It depends on how many people are on the waitlist ahead of you and how often units become available. In some cases it takes a few months; in others it can take several years. Call WMHA to ask how long the current waitlist is and what the average wait time has been.

Can I be on both the public housing waitlist and the voucher waitlist at the same time?

Yes. The two waitlists are separate, and you can be on both. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and ask to be removed from the other waitlist, or stay on both if you prefer.

What if my income goes up after I am approved?

WMHA will recertify your income periodically (usually once a year). If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your housing or voucher. Report income changes to WMHA as soon as they happen so there are no surprises during recertification.

Do I have to live in West Memphis to use WMHA programs?

WMHA serves West Memphis and a small surrounding area. You must live or work in the jurisdiction WMHA covers. Call the office to confirm whether your address is in the service area.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

WMHA reviews background and rental history as part of the process process. Not all criminal records or evictions automatically disqualify you, but serious crimes or recent evictions may. Ask the office what their specific policy is, or request a hearing if your process is denied based on your history.