Housing Authority of Washington County

The Washington County Department of Housing Services is a unique housing agency and includes the Housing Authority of Washington County.

History

The Housing Authority of Washington County was formed on August 4, 1970, by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, to provide affordable housing opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life in our community. Today the Housing Authority continues to serve our community, providing several kinds of rent of assistance and affordable housing to low-income families.

The Washington County Department of Housing Services was formed in 1992 to efficiently administer the housing activities and programs of both the Housing Authority and Washington County. While the Housing Authority remains a separate legal entity, it contracts with the County to implement and administer Housing Authority programs and all support services, like finance, purchasing and personnel.

Programs

The Housing Authority administers a variety of programs to help households in Washington County achieve housing stability. This includes federally funded programs like Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing and other rent assistance programs, as well as alignment with regional funding to support assistance dedicated to those experiencing homelessness.

MTW

Moving to Work (MTW) is a HUD program that gives housing authorities flexibility around certain federal rules and regulations and allows the agency to implement local solutions. The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) was selected for MTW status in May 2021. Our agreement is for participation for 20 years. We submit proposed activities once a year, typically as part of our PHA Plan.

The MTW program provides the Housing Authority of Washington County with a unique opportunity to design and test innovative, locally designed housing and self-sufficiency strategies for serving low-income families. MTW agencies have greater flexibility to administer their public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs with policies that can address local needs and that allow the housing authority to utilize restricted funds in creative ways.

Governance

The Housing Authority is governed by the Housing Authority Board of Directors. The Board consists of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, one at-large member, and one member who receives assistance from the Housing Authority. The Board of Directors meets monthly to review the work and upcoming plans of the Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority and the Board of Directors are advised by the Housing Advisory Committee, a group of 15 community members who live and/or work in Washington County. The Housing Advisory Committee meets monthly to learn about how Housing Authority programs and services are working throughout the County and to advise on different topics related to low-income housing.

The Housing Authority is also advised by the Resident Advisory Board, composed of members who are living in public housing or participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The Resident Advisory Board meets every other month to focus on plans or initiatives proposed by the agency, review topics suggested by members, or hear from guest speakers.

Plans and Reports

The Housing Authority of Washington County has a comprehensive set of plans and policies, some of which are subject to public comment and review on a period basis. The Public Housing Authority (PHA) Plan, the Section 8 Administrative Plan, and the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan. Visit the Plans, Policies and Reports page to learn more.