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Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority
Charleston, West Virginia
Last Updated
15 hours ago
About Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority
The Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority (PHA Code: WV001) serves residents in Charleston and Kanawha County, West Virginia. This authority manages approximately 4,492 assisted housing units, which include 3,213 Section 8 vouchers and 1,279 Public Housing units.
Currently, the housing authority is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and Public Housing program. The waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed to new applicants.
Eligibility for these programs requires applicants to meet specific income guidelines. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $38,400 per year within the Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Sep 1, 2026
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
Applications must be submitted on paper at CKHA's main office. Applications will be accepted for all family sizes.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units which are part of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Specific properties include Greystone Apartments, Prezioso Way, Legion Apartments, Little Page Terrace, and Washington Manor.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Online pre-applications are available 24/7. Paper applications are also accepted. Preferences are given for working, residency in Kanawha, Clay, or Putnam counties, non-elderly disabled, and emergency housing situations.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $38,400/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Contact Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority manages approximately 4,492 assisted housing units (3,213 Section 8, 1,279 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Charleston. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Charleston. This program serves approximately 3,213 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Charleston. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority manages approximately 1,279 Public Housing units in Charleston. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority?
Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $38,400. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,150 | $26,900 | $43,050 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $34,600 | $55,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $44,550 | $71,300 |
| 7 Persons | $47,650 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 8 Persons | $50,700 | $50,700 | $81,150 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority — including across state lines.