What Is a Public Housing Authority (PHA)?

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are the frontline administrators of federal housing assistance in the United States. There are approximately 3,300 PHAs across the country, and they collectively manage one of the largest social programs in the federal government.

What PHAs Do

PHAs serve two main functions:

1. Public housing: PHAs own and manage housing developments — apartment complexes, townhouses, and scattered-site homes — available to low-income households at reduced rent.
2. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): PHAs administer tenant-based vouchers that help households rent in the private market. The PHA sets payment standards based on local FMRs, processes applications, conducts inspections, and processes HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) payments to landlords.

How PHAs Are Funded

PHAs receive federal funding from HUD — primarily through the Capital Fund (for public housing maintenance), the Operating Fund (for public housing operations), and the Housing Choice Voucher program. They are local government entities but depend heavily on federal appropriations.

Finding Your PHA

Use our PHA directory to find housing authorities in your state and city. PHAs often have different waitlists for public housing vs. vouchers — it's worth applying to both if eligible.