The Public Housing Waitlist is currently closed.
Public Housing Operation Overview
The Public Housing Department is under the direction of a Vice President of Operations who manages affordable housing assets owned by the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and/or its subsidiaries. Funding is received from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to ensure the provision of decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
In support of HHA’s mission, Public Housing provides core services “to improve lives by providing quality, affordable housing options and promoting education and economic self-sufficiency”. These services range from serving applicants on the waiting list, providing stable housing to individuals and families, empowering resident councils to serve their neighbors, engaging support from a network of community partners, and ensuring community safety.
Asset Management
A professional team of Asset Managers and Compliance Officers collaborates with Property Management Contractors (PMCs) to ensure HHA’s affordable housing communities are managed in accordance with regulatory and contractual obligations mandated by HUD’s Public Housing, Multi-Family, and RAD Divisions. HHA has adopted HUD’s Asset Management model to ensure each site’s management performance, budgets, and accounting activity are independently managed; to achieve the following HUD-based Asset Management goals:
1) Improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of affordable housing assets;
2) Enhance preservation and protection of all assets;
3) Provide appropriate mechanisms for monitoring the performance at the property level; and
4) Facilitate future investment and reinvestment in public housing by public and private entities
Policies and procedures governing HHA’s Public Housing Program are reflected in the Admission and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP). Click here to view the ACOP
Public Housing Waitlist
HHA manages an established application and selection process that treats all applicants equitably. Effective waiting list administrative processes ensure conformity with fair housing civil rights laws and regulations and offering consistent, non-discriminatory determinations on applicant eligibility, placement of applicants on the waiting list, and selection of applicants from the waiting list.
HHA collaborates with its’ Property Management Companies (PMCs) to offer site-based waiting lists for Public Housing. Applications are accepted at each site. Upon receipt of a completed pre-application, placement on the waiting list is based on the date/time of the application and a family’s eligibility status. Information regarding Public Housing Waiting list acceptance of application varies, by the site(s).
Client Services, Safety & Community Initiatives
In addition to providing quality and stable housing, Public Housing is committed to helping public housing residents thrive. Becoming a public housing resident is the foundation towards family stabilization, economic self-sufficiency and independent living. Client Services is the focal point for
facilitating life-enhancement opportunities. A professional team of Service Coordinators and Resident Service Specialists motivates, advises and provides linkage to critical resources to help residents succeed. Key services provided by Client Services are:
1) Serving as Tenant Advocates to promote lease compliance and housing stability
2) Executing grant-funded initiatives funded by HUD and other funders.
3) Managing Private and Public Partnerships
4) Empowering and Sustaining Resident Councils
In addition to Client Services, Public Housing offers a viable Community Safety Program to prevent and reduce crime, disorder and fear of crime within public housing communities. In collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, coordinated efforts are executed to ensure residents are able to live, work and play.