What Westmoreland County Housing Authority does

Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It administers public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, and other housing programs for low-income residents. The authority does not set income limits or make decisions about who gets housing — those rules come from federal law — but WCHA is the body that runs the waiting lists, collects rent, maintains buildings, and processes voucher paperwork in the county.

The authority operates from its main office in New Kensington. If you are looking for public housing or a Section 8 voucher in Westmoreland County, WCHA is the organisation you contact directly. They maintain their own waiting lists separate from other counties, so you must register with Westmoreland County Housing Authority specifically — being on a waiting list in Allegheny County does not help you here.

Key Takeaways

  • Westmoreland County Housing Authority runs public housing and Section 8 voucher programs for the county and maintains separate waiting lists for each.
  • You must contact WCHA directly to register for housing or vouchers; waiting lists are not shared between counties.
  • Public housing rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, while Section 8 vouchers let you rent from private landlords with the authority paying part of your rent.
  • Waiting times vary by program and change based on how many units become available; WCHA can tell you the current wait when you call.
  • You will need proof of income, identity, and residency to register, and the authority will verify your information before placing you on a list.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

Westmoreland County Housing Authority manages two main programs. Public housing means WCHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. Your rent is always 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, with no upper limit on how much you can earn — if your income rises, your rent rises with it. WCHA maintains the building, handles repairs, and sets the lease terms.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. The authority gives you a voucher that covers part of the rent on a unit you find yourself in the private market. You choose the landlord and the apartment (within program rules), and the voucher pays a portion directly to the landlord. You pay the difference out of pocket. Section 8 gives you more choice about where to live, but you depend on finding a landlord willing to accept the voucher — not all do.

Both programs have waiting lists. Public housing waiting lists tend to be longer in most counties because the rent is lower and more predictable. Section 8 waiting lists also move slowly but sometimes faster because there are more units available through private landlords. WCHA can tell you the current wait for each program when you contact them.

How to contact Westmoreland County Housing Authority

The main office is located in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. You can reach WCHA by phone to ask about waiting lists, program rules, or how to register. The authority also has a website where you can find office hours, contact information, and sometimes process forms.

When you call, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Staff can tell you whether waiting lists are open, how long the current wait is, and what documents you will need to bring when you explore in person. Some housing authorities allow you to start the process by phone or mail, but WCHA may require you to visit the office to complete registration.

If you cannot reach WCHA directly, you can also contact Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services or call 211 (a statewide referral line) and ask for Westmoreland County Housing Authority contact information. They can confirm current phone numbers and office hours.

What documents you need to register

Westmoreland County Housing Authority will ask for proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). For income, you will need recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits, bring documentation from the agency paying them.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell WCHA — they have rules for people in that situation and can explain what documents work instead.

WCHA will verify everything you provide, including contacting your employer or benefits agency. If information does not match or seems false, the authority can deny your registration or remove you from the waiting list. Be honest and bring originals or certified copies when possible.

How waiting lists work and what affects your position

Once you register, WCHA places you on a waiting list in the order applications are received — this is called date-order selection. Your position depends on when you applied, not on how much you need housing or your personal circumstances. The authority moves through the list as units become available, contacting people in order.

Some programs give priority to certain groups — for example, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, or people with disabilities may move ahead. WCHA will explain whether your situation qualifies for priority when you register. Even with priority, you still wait, but you move faster than date-order applicants.

Waiting times vary widely. In some counties, public housing waits are five years or longer; in others, a few months. Section 8 waits also differ. Westmoreland County's current wait depends on how many people are on the list and how many units open up each year. When you contact WCHA, ask for the current wait time — they update this regularly and can give you a realistic sense of when a unit might become available.

Income limits and rent calculations

Federal law sets income limits for public housing and Section 8, but the exact limits change each year and depend on household size. For a single person, the limit is usually around 50 percent of the area median income; for a family of four, it is higher. Westmoreland County's limits are set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and posted on WCHA's website or available by phone.

If your income is above the limit when you explore, you cannot register. If your income rises after you are placed in housing, you can stay, but your rent will increase. In public housing, rent is always 30 percent of gross income. In Section 8, your share of rent is calculated the same way, though the voucher amount itself does not change if your income rises.

WCHA will ask about all household income — wages, benefits, child support, pensions, and other sources. They count income before taxes. If you are unsure whether something counts, ask when you register; it is better to report everything and let them sort it out than to leave something off and have it discovered later.

What happens after you are placed in housing

Once a unit is available and WCHA contacts you, you will have a limited time to accept or decline. If you decline, you go to the back of the waiting list or may be removed entirely, depending on WCHA's policy. If you accept, you sign a lease and move in.

In public housing, WCHA is your landlord. You pay rent monthly, follow lease rules, and report maintenance problems to WCHA. The authority can evict you for non-payment or lease violations, just as a private landlord can. In Section 8, you sign a lease with a private landlord, and WCHA pays their portion of rent directly. You are responsible for your share and for following the lease.

Both programs require you to report changes in income, household size, or address. If you do not report changes, WCHA may reduce your voucher, raise your rent, or remove you from the program. Keep WCHA informed of major life changes — job loss, a new job, someone moving in or out, or a move to a new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Westmoreland County Housing Authority?

Wait times vary by program and change based on how many units become available each year. Call WCHA directly at their New Kensington office to ask the current wait for public housing and Section 8 separately. They can give you a realistic timeframe based on today's list.

Can I be on the waiting list in more than one county?

Yes. Each county housing authority maintains its own waiting list, so you can register with Westmoreland County Housing Authority and also with other counties if you are willing to move. You do not have to choose one. Register with each county separately — they do not share lists.

What if my income is too high to register?

You cannot register for public housing or Section 8 if your income exceeds the federal limit for your household size. If your income is close to the limit, ask WCHA exactly how they count it — some types of income are excluded, and the calculation can be complex. If you are over the limit, you may be able to rent privately without a voucher.

Do I have to live in Westmoreland County to register?

Most housing authorities require you to live in the county or have a job there. Ask WCHA about their residency rules when you call. If you do not currently live in Westmoreland County but plan to move there, explain your situation — some authorities will register you if you can show intent to move.

What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

WCHA has rules for people without a fixed address. You may be able to use a shelter address, a mailing address, or a contact person's address for registration. Call and explain your situation — do not assume you cannot register. Some programs give priority to people experiencing homelessness.