What the West Virginia Housing Authority is and who runs it

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) is the state agency that manages housing programs for West Virginia residents. It is not a local housing authority — those exist in individual cities and counties — but rather the statewide body that oversees federal housing money, sets policy, and runs several programs directly.

WVHDF answers to the state legislature and works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency is based in Charleston and employs staff who handle everything from mortgage lending to rental information to public housing oversight. When you hear "West Virginia Housing Authority," people usually mean WVHDF, though the term can also refer to local public housing authorities that operate in specific counties.

The distinction matters because where you live determines which body handles your case. If you live in a city or county with its own housing authority — such as Kanawha County or the City of Charleston — that local authority may run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in your area. WVHDF runs statewide programs and coordinates with those local bodies.

Key Takeaways

  • WVHDF is the state housing agency based in Charleston; local housing authorities operate separately in some counties and cities.
  • The agency runs Section 8 voucher programs, public housing, emergency rental information, and homebuyer programs, though not all programs operate in every county.
  • To reach the right office, you need to know whether you are looking for a statewide program (contact WVHDF directly) or a local program (contact your county or city housing authority).
  • Wait lists for Section 8 vouchers and public housing exist in most areas and can be years long; some are closed to new applicants.
  • WVHDF also runs the Housing Finance Program, which helps first-time homebuyers with down payment information and below-market mortgage rates.

Programs WVHDF runs and how to find out which ones operate in your area

WVHDF administers several housing programs. The largest are the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which pays part of your rent to a private landlord; Public Housing, which is housing owned and managed by housing authorities; and Emergency Rental information, which covers back rent when you face hardship.

The agency also runs the Housing Finance Program for homebuyers, the Homeownership Preservation Program to help people avoid foreclosure, and various supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness or living with disabilities. Not every program operates in every county, and funding changes year to year.

To find out which programs serve your area, contact WVHDF directly at 304-345-6475 or visit the agency website. You can also call your local housing authority if one exists in your county — they will know which statewide programs are active in your region and can tell you whether wait lists are open. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) can also connect you to housing resources in your area.

Section 8 vouchers: how the wait list works and what to expect

Section 8 vouchers are the most common housing program WVHDF oversees. A voucher pays a portion of your rent — usually 30 percent of your income — and the landlord receives the rest from the housing authority. You choose where to live, as long as the landlord accepts Section 8 and the rent is not above the area's payment standard.

Most areas in West Virginia have a wait list for Section 8 vouchers because demand exceeds available funding. Wait times vary widely by county — some areas have wait lists of several years, while others may be closed to new applicants. When you contact your local housing authority or WVHDF, ask directly: Is the wait list open? How long is it? Can you get on it now?

Once you are on the wait list, the housing authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available. You will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a Social Security number for all household members. The process from voucher offer to moving into a unit typically takes one to three months, depending on how quickly you find a landlord and complete inspections.

Public housing in West Virginia and how the process works

Public housing is rental housing owned and operated by housing authorities. West Virginia has public housing in several counties, though the number of units has declined over the past two decades. Public housing rent is also based on 30 percent of your income, making it affordable for very low-income households.

Like Section 8, public housing has wait lists in most areas. To explore, contact your local housing authority or WVHDF. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and identity. The process process is similar to Section 8, though the wait time can be longer because there are fewer public housing units than vouchers.

Public housing is managed locally — each housing authority maintains its own buildings, sets house rules, and handles maintenance. If you live in public housing, you sign a lease with the housing authority, not a private landlord. The authority can evict you for lease violations, non-payment, or criminal activity, so understanding your lease terms is important.

Emergency rental information and how to reach it when you fall behind on rent

When West Virginia has active emergency rental information funding — which varies by year and federal appropriations — the money typically flows through local housing authorities or community action agencies rather than directly through WVHDF. These programs pay landlords directly to cover back rent when you face a documented hardship such as job loss, illness, or reduced income.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently available in your county, call your local housing authority or WVHDF at 304-345-6475. You can also dial 211 and ask for emergency rental information in your area. If a program is open, you will need to provide a signed lease, proof of the hardship, and proof of income. Most programs require that you have fallen behind on rent — explore before you owe money usually disqualifies you.

Processing time is typically two to six weeks. Tell your landlord you have applied for information and ask them to hold off on filing for eviction while your case is being reviewed. Some programs can contact the court on your behalf if an eviction case is already filed.

Homebuyer programs and down payment information

WVHDF runs the Housing Finance Program, which helps first-time homebuyers purchase a home. The program offers below-market mortgage rates and down payment information, meaning WVHDF can help you cover part of the down payment so you do not have to save as much upfront.

To be considered, you must be a first-time homebuyer (or have not owned a home in the past three years), meet income limits that vary by county, and be ready to complete homebuyer education. The program works with approved lenders, so you do not explore directly to WVHDF — instead, you contact a participating lender who will guide you through the process.

Income limits and down payment information amounts change year to year. Contact WVHDF at 304-345-6475 to ask for a list of participating lenders in your county and current program details.

How to contact WVHDF and local housing authorities

WVHDF's main office is in Charleston. You can reach them at 304-345-6475 during business hours, or visit their website to find contact information for specific programs. The mailing address is 814 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301.

If you need to reach a local housing authority in your county, search online for "[Your County Name] Housing Authority" or "[Your City Name] Housing Authority." Many counties have their own authority with separate staff and wait lists. If you are unsure which authority serves your area, call WVHDF and they can direct you.

The 211 helpline is also a starting point — dial 2-1-1 from any phone and you will be connected to a local specialist who can tell you which programs operate in your area and how to reach them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between WVHDF and my local housing authority?

Yes. WVHDF is the statewide agency that manages federal money and runs programs across West Virginia. Your local housing authority operates in a specific county or city and may run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in that area. Some counties do not have a separate local authority — in those cases, WVHDF handles everything. Call WVHDF to find out which body serves your area.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times vary by county, from one to five years or longer in some areas. Some wait lists are closed. Contact your local housing authority to ask the current wait time in your area and whether the list is open. Once you receive a voucher, you typically have 60 to 90 days to find a landlord and move in.

Can I explore for Section 8 if I am not a citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. may be able to access statuses include permanent resident, refugee, and asylee. You will need to provide proof of status and a Social Security number. Contact your local housing authority to ask which documents they need.

What happens if I lose my job while on the Section 8 wait list?

Losing your job does not remove you from the wait list. When a voucher becomes available, you will be contacted. At that point, you will need to show current income or proof that you are looking for work. If you have no income, some housing authorities may delay your voucher offer until you have employment or other income, or they may place you in a unit with a lower rent. Ask your housing authority what their policy is.

Does WVHDF help with utilities or other housing costs besides rent?

WVHDF's main programs focus on rent. However, the state also has utility information programs run by community action agencies and other nonprofits. Call 211 and ask for utility information in your area, or contact your local community action agency directly.