What the Wilmington Housing Authority does

The Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs in Wilmington, North Carolina. It owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents and administers vouchers that help people pay rent in privately owned buildings. The WHA does not build or fund housing itself — it operates with federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and uses that money to either maintain its own properties or subsidize private landlords.

The agency's main programs are public housing (where WHA owns the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8 (where you find your own apartment and the voucher covers part of the rent). Both programs serve households below certain income limits, which change each year based on the area median income for the Wilmington region.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wilmington Housing Authority runs two main programs: public housing it owns directly, and Housing Choice Vouchers that work with private landlords.
  • Both programs require your household income to fall below a set limit, which the WHA updates yearly and publishes on its website.
  • The Housing Choice Voucher program typically has a waiting list, and the WHA opens and closes it based on funding and demand.
  • You can contact WHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their office to learn current program status and what documents you need to bring.
  • The WHA also runs a Family Self-Sufficiency program that helps residents build savings and move toward financial independence.

Public housing managed by the Wilmington Housing Authority

WHA owns and operates several apartment communities in Wilmington where rent is set at 30 percent of your household's adjusted gross income. This means the agency calculates your income, applies deductions for dependents and medical expenses, and charges you one-third of what remains. The WHA covers utilities, maintenance, and building operations with the rent you pay plus federal subsidies.

Public housing units are typically older buildings that have been modernized over time. The WHA maintains them to housing quality standards set by HUD, and residents have the right to request repairs through a formal maintenance system. If you live in WHA housing, you sign a lease that includes rules about occupancy, guest policies, and what happens if you violate the terms.

To move into WHA public housing, your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income for New Hanover County. The exact income limit changes yearly. You also need to pass a background check and provide proof of income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. The WHA maintains a waiting list for public housing, and how long you wait depends on unit availability and the size of your household.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

The Housing Choice Voucher program lets you choose where to live — you find an apartment or house from a private landlord, and the WHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent, which should not exceed 30 percent of your income. This gives you more choice than public housing but requires you to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

The voucher amount is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Wilmington, which HUD sets each year. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the FMR, you pay less. If the landlord charges more, you make up the difference out of pocket — the voucher does not increase. The landlord must meet HUD housing quality standards, and the WHA inspects the unit before you move in and periodically afterward.

The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in Wilmington is typically closed, meaning the WHA is not currently taking new applications. When the list opens, it fills quickly. You can contact the WHA to ask when applications will be accepted next and whether you can get on a notification list. Income limits for vouchers are the same as for public housing: at or below 80 percent of area median income for New Hanover County.

Income limits and who can participate

Both WHA programs limit participation to households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income for New Hanover County. This income limit is recalculated every year by HUD and published in March. The exact dollar amount depends on household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four.

When you explore, the WHA counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources. They do not count some income, such as certain disability benefits or money from a one-time event. The WHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify what you report. If your income changes after you move into a program, you must report it — the WHA recertifies income annually.

How to contact the Wilmington Housing Authority

The WHA office is located in Wilmington and handles applications, maintenance requests, and questions about both programs. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about current waiting list status, income limits for the current year, or what documents to bring when you explore. The phone number and office hours are on the WHA website.

If you prefer to explore in person, bring proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and identification. The WHA staff can tell you what else you need based on your situation. If you are currently homeless or do not have a permanent address, call ahead to ask what documentation is possible for you to provide.

Family Self-Sufficiency and other WHA programs

Beyond housing and vouchers, the WHA runs a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program that helps residents increase earnings and build savings. Participants work with a case manager to set goals, complete job training or education, and move toward financial independence. As your earnings increase, the WHA sets aside part of the rent increase in an escrow account that you receive when you leave the program or reach your goals.

The FSS program is open to residents of WHA public housing and voucher holders. Participation is voluntary, and the program typically lasts five years. If you are interested, ask the WHA whether FSS enrollment is open and what the current waiting list looks like.

What happens if your income increases

If you earn more money while living in WHA housing or using a voucher, your rent will increase. The WHA recertifies income once a year, and if your household income has gone up, your rent adjustment takes effect on your next lease anniversary. You do not lose your housing or voucher because of an income increase — you straightforward pay more.

There is a grace period in some cases: if you are working and your income rises because of employment, some WHA programs allow your rent to stay flat for a limited time while you adjust. Ask the WHA about this when you report an income change. The goal is to help people move toward self-sufficiency without losing housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for WHA housing or a voucher?

Processing time varies depending on how quickly you provide documents and whether the WHA needs to verify information with employers or benefit agencies. Public housing approval typically takes several weeks to a few months. Voucher approval can take longer if the waiting list is long. Call the WHA to ask about current processing times.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher in a different city?

Yes, you can request a voucher transfer to another housing authority if you move. The Wilmington Housing Authority must approve the transfer, and the receiving authority must have funding available. Contact WHA before you move to start the transfer process.

What if my landlord refuses to make repairs?

Report the repair need to the WHA in writing. The agency will inspect the unit and can withhold rent payment to the landlord if the unit fails housing quality standards. You have the right to request a repair, and the WHA has a formal process to enforce it.

Do I have to work to live in WHA housing?

No, there is no work requirement for public housing or vouchers. Seniors, people with disabilities, and others not working are welcome to explore. The WHA does offer the Family Self-Sufficiency program for those who want to work toward higher income, but it is voluntary.

What if I was denied housing before — can I explore again?

Yes, you can reapply. If you were denied for a specific reason — such as a criminal conviction or eviction — ask the WHA what has changed since then. Some reasons for denial are permanent, but others may not be. The WHA can explain what would need to be different for approval.