Free Guide to Raleigh Housing Authority Programs

Overview of Raleigh Housing Authority and Its Role

The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is a public agency that manages affordable housing programs in Raleigh, North Carolina. Created to serve low- and moderate-income residents, the RHA operates several housing assistance programs that serve hundreds of families throughout the city and surrounding areas. Understanding what the RHA does and what programs it offers is the first step toward learning about housing options that may be available to you.

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The RHA was established as a quasi-governmental organization with a mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to people who might otherwise struggle to find housing within their budget. The agency receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to operate its various programs. This federal structure means that RHA programs follow specific guidelines and rules set by HUD, though the RHA applies these rules locally based on community needs.

As of recent data, the RHA manages over 1,500 housing units across Raleigh. These units range from traditional public housing apartments to scattered-site properties throughout the city. The agency also administers voucher programs that help residents pay rent at privately-owned apartments. The RHA employs several hundred staff members and maintains an annual budget in the tens of millions of dollars to support its operations and housing programs.

The RHA's service area includes the city of Raleigh and surrounding jurisdictions in Wake County. The agency works with nonprofit partners, local government, and community organizations to expand housing options and support services. If you are looking for information about affordable housing in Raleigh, the RHA is a central resource, though it is just one of several organizations that offer housing-related programs in the area.

Practical Takeaway: The RHA is a legitimate public agency managing federal housing funds. Learning about its programs is a way to understand what housing resources may exist in Raleigh, but you will need to contact the RHA directly to learn specific details about individual programs and requirements.

Public Housing Program Details and How It Works

The Public Housing program is one of the oldest and most established housing programs managed by the RHA. Public housing consists of apartments and family homes owned directly by the RHA and operated to provide affordable rental housing. Unlike voucher programs, where residents rent from private landlords, public housing residents live in properties that the RHA owns and maintains. This guide explains how the public housing system works and what residents can expect.

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Public housing units in Raleigh are located in several communities throughout the city. These properties vary in type—some are garden-style apartment complexes, while others are individual family homes. The RHA maintains these properties and is responsible for repairs, landscaping, utilities in common areas, and property management. Resident families are responsible for interior maintenance and rent payments. The RHA operates community centers, after-school programs, and other supportive services at many public housing sites.

Rent in public housing is calculated using a formula based on household income. Typically, residents pay approximately 30 percent of their gross monthly income as rent, though the exact amount may vary based on income, family size, and program rules. This rent-based system means that as a resident's income changes, rent payments may change as well. The RHA uses a points system and waiting list process for assigning units, with priority sometimes given to people experiencing homelessness or other special circumstances.

Public housing residents must follow lease agreements that outline rules about maintenance, conduct, guests, and other matters. These agreements are generally standard across public housing programs nationwide. Residents who violate lease terms may face warnings, fines, or eviction. The RHA also requires that residents, or at least one adult household member, participate in community activities or work-related programs, depending on their circumstances. This is part of a broader effort to promote self-sufficiency and community engagement.

One important aspect of public housing is that it provides stability and affordability for families over many years. Some families live in RHA housing for decades, and the program has helped generations of residents. However, there are also challenges—public housing has sometimes faced maintenance delays, funding constraints, and long waiting lists. The RHA is constantly working to improve its housing stock through renovation and modernization efforts.

Practical Takeaway: Public housing offers stable, long-term rental housing at reduced rates for lower-income households. To learn whether public housing may be an option for your situation, contact the RHA directly to ask about current availability, waiting lists, and the process for inquiring about units.

Housing Voucher Program Information

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, often called Section 8, is a federal program administered locally by the RHA that helps low- and moderate-income families pay rent at privately-owned apartments and homes. Unlike public housing, where the RHA owns the property, the voucher program works by providing financial support that participants can use at rental properties throughout Raleigh and surrounding areas. This guide explains how the voucher program operates and what the program generally involves.

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When someone participates in the voucher program, the RHA provides a voucher (a document authorizing a portion of rent payment). The participant then searches for a rental property on the private market—an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home. The landlord must be willing to rent to voucher holders and the property must meet certain standards. The participant typically pays a portion of rent (usually around 30 percent of household income), and the RHA pays the remainder directly to the landlord, up to a certain amount called the "payment standard."

The voucher program operates through a waiting list system. Because demand for vouchers is high and funding is limited, the RHA maintains a waiting list of people seeking vouchers. As of recent years, the RHA's voucher waiting list has had thousands of names with wait times measured in years, not months. The RHA periodically opens its waiting list for short periods and closes it when the list becomes too large. Priority is sometimes given to people with specific needs, such as those experiencing homelessness or with disabilities.

Participants in the voucher program have flexibility in choosing where to live within the service area. They are not limited to specific RHA properties. This flexibility is one major difference from public housing. However, participants must find landlords willing to accept vouchers, and they must work within the payment standard set by the RHA. A property that costs more than the payment standard means the participant pays the difference out-of-pocket, or they may need to look at lower-cost options.

The voucher program requires participants to meet certain obligations. These include reporting income changes, maintaining the rental property in good condition, and paying rent on time. The RHA conducts inspections of rental properties to ensure they meet housing quality standards. If a participant no longer needs the voucher, they may return it to the RHA, and it becomes available to someone on the waiting list. Some vouchers are designated for people with disabilities or other special populations.

Practical Takeaway: The housing voucher program provides rent assistance at privately-chosen rental properties. To explore this program, contact the RHA to learn about waiting list status, when the list may be open for new applicants, and what general requirements the program has. Understand that waiting times can be substantial.

Special Programs and Services Beyond Basic Housing

Beyond its core public housing and voucher programs, the RHA offers additional services and programs designed to support residents and promote stability. These programs address needs like job training, youth programs, financial literacy, and community development. This section describes some of the key supportive services and special initiatives that the RHA operates or coordinates with partner organizations.

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Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs are offered through the RHA and work alongside housing assistance. FSS programs are structured to help working families build savings and develop skills that increase economic independence. When a household participates in FSS, they sign a contract agreeing to work toward specific goals over a defined period, typically five years. As income increases, the amount the household pays for rent may increase, but the RHA "escrows" (sets aside) the difference in a savings account for the resident. At the end of the FSS contract, the resident can access these savings, which may amount to several thousand dollars.

Youth and community programs at RHA properties provide after-school activities, summer camps, mentorship, and educational support for young people. Many RHA communities have resident councils and community centers that host events, classes, and social activities. These programs are meant to build community connections and create safe spaces for residents. Some programs focus on youth leadership, preparing teenagers for employment, and providing scholarships or educational support.

The RHA also