A Public Housing Agency (PHA) is the local office responsible for administering and maintaining Section 8 housing benefits — formally known as the Federal Housing Choice Vouchers Program. PHAs are located across the country.
Since the Federal Housing Choice Vouchers Program is so expansive, PHAs are an essential part of the program. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there are some 3,300 PHAs across the country.
To receive assistance with housing benefits, it's important that you contact your local PHA, specifically. Luckily, HUD has made it quite easy to find your local office online.
This governmental department is tasked with providing Americans with, "decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities."
But you might be wondering what specifically you can accomplish at your local PHA.
After contacting your PHA, if you qualify and wish to proceed, you'll begin the application process for public housing benefits. These benefits can be scarce, especially in more populous areas, so you may have to wait for some time subsequent to applying.
However, knowledgeable staff at your PHA should be able to connect you with other local and nationwide resources that may be of benefit to you.
Timothy Harris is a freelance writer based in Albuquerque. He brings a professional background in event marketing, residential real estate and journalism to the table to provide useful and relevant content for the modern renter. Timothy has previously written content for Karsten & Associates in New Mexico and Up 'til Dawn, a philanthropic fundraiser that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.