What the Winston-Salem Housing Authority does
The Winston-Salem Housing Authority (WSHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, North Carolina. It does not create housing policy or set income limits — those come from the federal government — but it manages the day-to-day operations: maintaining public housing units, processing voucher paperwork, conducting inspections, and managing waiting lists.
WSHA administers two main programs. The first is public housing, which means WSHA owns and operates apartment buildings where tenants pay rent based on their income. The second is the Housing Choice Voucher Program (often called Section 8), which gives may be able to access households a voucher they can use to rent from a private landlord anywhere in the area. WSHA does not decide who gets vouchers — federal law sets the rules — but WSHA processes applications, verifies income, and handles the paperwork between you and your landlord.
Key Takeaways
- WSHA manages public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, but does not set the rules that determine who gets help.
- Both programs have waiting lists, and both are usually closed to new applications because demand far exceeds available vouchers and units.
- To reach WSHA, call their main office or visit in person; they do not process applications online through a website portal.
- Income limits and rent calculations are set by federal law and vary by household size; WSHA staff can tell you the current limits when you call.
- If WSHA's waiting list is closed, 211 can refer you to emergency rental funds, nonprofit housing programs, or other local resources that may be open.
How to contact WSHA and check waiting list status
WSHA's main office is located at 1500 East Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. You can reach them by phone at (336) 722-8989. Call during business hours to ask whether the waiting list for public housing or Housing Choice Vouchers is currently open. This status changes — lists may close when they become too long and reopen when units or vouchers become available.
You can also visit the office in person to ask questions or request an process if the list is open. WSHA does not accept applications by mail or email for either program. If you call and the waiting list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen, or ask the staff member to refer you to other housing resources in the area.
Public housing through WSHA
WSHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Winston-Salem. If you live in public housing, WSHA is your landlord. Your rent is calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent set by WSHA (usually around $50 to $100 per month), whichever is higher. You must report changes in income, household size, or employment within 30 days, because your rent will change if your income changes.
To get on the public housing waiting list, you must explore in person at WSHA's office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Forsyth County. WSHA will verify your information and place you on the list if you meet the income limits. The waiting list is usually several years long, so do not expect to be housed quickly even after you are added.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through WSHA
A Housing Choice Voucher is a document that tells a private landlord that WSHA will pay part of your rent directly to them. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and WSHA pays the landlord the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. You pay your share (usually 30 percent of your income) and WSHA pays the rest, up to a limit called the payment standard.
The payment standard varies by bedroom size and changes each year. WSHA can tell you the current payment standard when you call. If a landlord wants more rent than the payment standard allows, you can either negotiate a lower rent or find a different apartment. You are responsible for finding the unit; WSHA does not find housing for you.
To get on the voucher waiting list, explore in person at WSHA's office. You will need the same documents as for public housing: proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of residency. The voucher waiting list is also usually closed and very long. Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find an apartment and have it inspected by WSHA before the voucher expires.
Income limits and rent calculations
Federal law sets income limits based on the area's median income and your 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. These limits change each year. WSHA can tell you the current limits for your household size when you call.
Rent is always calculated as 30 percent of your gross monthly income, or the minimum rent, whichever is higher. If you earn $1,500 per month, your rent would be $450. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. You must report income changes within 30 days so WSHA can recalculate your rent.
What happens if WSHA's waiting list is closed
Both the public housing and voucher waiting lists are usually closed because there are far more people who need help than there are units or vouchers available. If the list is closed when you call, ask WSHA when it is expected to reopen. Some people wait years for a list to open.
While you wait, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to learn about other housing resources in Winston-Salem. 211 can refer you to emergency rental funds, nonprofit housing programs, rapid rehousing, or other information that may be available now. You can also contact the Forsyth County Department of Social Services to ask about other programs you may be able to use while waiting for WSHA.
What to bring to WSHA
| Document Type | What WSHA Needs |
|---|---|
| Identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate |
| Income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns (last 2 years), or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address in Forsyth County |
| Household | Birth certificates or custody papers for any children; Social Security numbers for all household members |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing?
The waiting list is usually several years long. Even after you are added to the list, you may wait two to five years or longer before a unit or voucher becomes available. Call WSHA to ask how long the current wait is, though that estimate can change.
Can I be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time?
Yes. You can explore for both programs and be on both waiting lists. If you receive a voucher first, you can use it while waiting for public housing, or you can decline the voucher and stay on the public housing list. WSHA staff can explain your options when you explore.
What if my income goes above the limit?
If you are already in public housing or using a voucher and your income rises above the limit, you do not lose your housing when ready. WSHA will recalculate your rent, and you will pay more. However, if your income stays above the limit for a certain period (usually one year), WSHA may ask you to move out. Report income changes within 30 days so WSHA can recalculate.
Can I use my voucher if I move out of Forsyth County?
Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the area where WSHA operates. If you move outside Forsyth County, you cannot use a WSHA voucher. You would need to contact the housing authority in the county where you are moving to see if they have a voucher program and whether they accept transfers.
What if I have an eviction on my record?
WSHA will review your rental history as part of the process process. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but WSHA may deny your process if the eviction is recent or if there are other issues with your rental history. Call WSHA to ask about your specific situation.