What the Winston-Salem Housing Authority does

The Winston-Salem Housing Authority (WSHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental information programs in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it administers federal funding that helps low-income households pay rent, and it manages public housing properties where tenants live.

WSHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency's main job is to connect people who cannot afford market-rate rent with housing options and financial support. It is not a landlord in the traditional sense for most of its programs; it is a middleman between federal money and the people who need it.

The Authority is headquartered in Winston-Salem and serves residents across Forsyth County. If you live in this area and need rental help or are interested in public housing, WSHA is the office you contact directly.

Key Takeaways

  • WSHA manages two main programs: public housing (where it owns or controls the building) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (where you rent from a private landlord and WSHA pays part of your rent).
  • Both programs require you to meet income limits, which vary by household size and change annually based on area median income.
  • Waiting lists for both programs are typically long, and WSHA prioritizes households with the greatest need, such as those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe conditions.
  • You can contact WSHA directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current openings and how to be added to a waiting list.
  • WSHA also manages other programs such as Family Self-Sufficiency, which helps working families build savings and move toward financial independence.

Public housing managed by WSHA

Public housing means WSHA owns or controls the building, and you rent directly from the Authority. WSHA operates several public housing communities throughout Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. These are apartment complexes or scattered single-family homes where rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, rather than at market rate.

To live in WSHA public housing, your household income must fall below a certain threshold. That threshold is based on area median income and changes each year. WSHA publishes current income limits on its website and can tell you over the phone whether your household meets the requirement.

Public housing units are in high demand. WSHA maintains a waiting list, and the wait can be months or years depending on the type of unit you need and how many people are ahead of you. The Authority prioritizes households experiencing homelessness, those living in substandard housing, and families with the greatest need.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

The Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8) is different from public housing. WSHA gives you a voucher — a promise to pay a portion of your rent — and you find your own apartment from a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher. You pay the difference between what WSHA pays and the actual rent, usually 30 percent of your income.

This program gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing. You can search for apartments across Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, as long as the landlord is willing to participate and the rent is reasonable for the neighborhood. WSHA sets a payment standard — the maximum amount it will pay toward rent — and your share is capped at 30 percent of your household income.

Like public housing, the voucher program has income limits and a waiting list. WSHA also requires that you pass a background check and that your landlord agrees to the terms. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find an apartment; if you do not find one within that window, you may lose the voucher.

How to contact WSHA and explore

The Winston-Salem Housing Authority's main office is located in Winston-Salem. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current openings, and income requirements. You can also visit in person to get more information or request an process.

When you contact WSHA, have your household income information ready, including recent pay stubs or tax returns. You will also need to provide identification and proof of residency in Forsyth County. WSHA staff can tell you what documents to bring if you decide to visit the office.

The process process itself is straightforward: you fill out a form with your household information, income, and housing needs. WSHA will review your process, verify your income, and add you to the appropriate waiting list. You will be notified if your name comes up for an available unit or voucher.

Income limits and rent calculations

WSHA uses federal income limits to determine who can live in public housing or receive a voucher. These limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for Forsyth County and are set at 50 percent of AMI for most households. A family of four, for example, might have a limit of around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, though this varies year to year.

Once you are accepted into either program, your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income. If your income increases, your rent may increase as well. WSHA recertifies your income periodically — usually once a year — to make sure the rent calculation is still correct.

If your income drops, you can report the change to WSHA, and your rent will be recalculated downward. This is one reason the programs are designed to help working families: as your income grows, you gradually pay more, which encourages self-sufficiency.

Other programs WSHA offers

Beyond public housing and vouchers, WSHA administers the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. FSS is designed for working families who want to increase their earnings and build savings. Participants work with a case manager to set goals, and WSHA sets aside a portion of the rent savings you would normally pay if your income increases. When you leave the program or reach your goals, you receive that savings as a lump sum.

WSHA may also administer other HUD programs from time to time, such as emergency rental information or supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. These programs change based on federal funding and local need. Calling WSHA directly is the best way to learn what programs are currently available.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and vouchers have waiting lists because demand exceeds available units and vouchers. The length of the wait depends on several factors: how many people are on the list, how many units or vouchers become available each month, and your priority status.

WSHA prioritizes households based on need. Someone experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe housing will typically move up the list faster than someone in stable but unaffordable housing. The Authority also may have local preferences — for example, prioritizing people who work in Forsyth County or have lived there for a certain time.

Waiting times can range from several months to several years. WSHA can tell you the current wait time for the type of unit or voucher you need when you call or visit. Some people are added to the list and never contacted because they move, change their phone number, or no longer need the help; WSHA periodically cleans up the list by removing inactive applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher?

Public housing means WSHA owns the building and you rent from the Authority. A voucher means you find your own apartment from a private landlord, and WSHA pays part of the rent. Vouchers give you more choice in location and landlord, but public housing may have shorter wait times in some cases. Both charge rent at 30 percent of your income.

Do I have to be a Winston-Salem resident to use WSHA programs?

You must live in Forsyth County to be served by WSHA. Some programs may have additional local preferences, such as requiring that you have lived in the county for a certain period or that you work there. Call WSHA to ask about specific residency rules for the program you are interested in.

What happens if my income increases while I am in a WSHA program?

Your rent will increase to 30 percent of your new income. WSHA recertifies income annually, so changes are usually reflected at your next recertification. Some programs, like Family Self-Sufficiency, allow you to set aside the extra rent you would pay, which you receive as a lump sum later.

Can I be denied public housing or a voucher because of my background?

Yes. WSHA conducts background checks and may deny housing based on criminal history, eviction history, or other factors. However, WSHA cannot automatically deny you for any single reason; it must consider the nature and severity of the issue and how long ago it occurred. You have the right to explain your situation.

How do I know if I make too much money for WSHA programs?

WSHA publishes income limits each year. Call the office or visit their website to see the current limits for your household size. Income limits are based on gross income before taxes. If you are close to the limit, WSHA staff can review your specific situation and let you know whether you meet the requirement.