Where Fort Worth's affordable housing programs are run

Fort Worth's affordable housing is managed by three main bodies: the City of Fort Worth Housing and Community Development Department, the Fort Worth Housing Authority (which runs public housing and vouchers), and nonprofit developers who build and manage deed-restricted apartments. Each handles different programs, and knowing which one runs what saves you weeks of calling the wrong office.

The Housing Authority operates from 1001 E. Anderson Avenue and manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing units. The City's Housing Department works from City Hall and oversees down payment help, rental information, and code enforcement. Nonprofits like Community Development Corporation of Tarrant County and Habitat for Humanity North Texas build ownership and rental units, but they work on their own timelines and have their own waiting lists.

Most people start by calling 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Texas) or visiting 211.org. This is a free referral service that knows which programs are currently open and which are full. It is faster than calling each office separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth has three separate systems for affordable housing: the Housing Authority (vouchers and public housing), the City Housing Department (down payment and rental information), and nonprofit developers (deed-restricted rentals and ownership).
  • Calling 211 or visiting 211.org tells you which programs are currently accepting people and which are closed or have waiting lists.
  • Income limits vary by program and by family size; a family of four might earn up to $50,000 for one program and $65,000 for another.
  • Deed-restricted apartments (built by nonprofits with public money) are often cheaper than market-rate units but have their own waiting lists and process processes.
  • Fort Worth's rental market is tight, so programs that help with deposits and first month's rent move faster than programs that build new units.

Section 8 vouchers and public housing through the Housing Authority

The Fort Worth Housing Authority runs two programs: Section 8 vouchers (which pay part of your rent at a private landlord's property) and public housing (apartments the Authority owns). Both require income verification and a background check, but they work differently.

Section 8 vouchers are the faster route if you find a landlord who accepts them. You pay 30 percent of your income toward rent; the voucher pays the rest up to a limit set by the Authority. The waiting list is usually open but can be years long depending on demand. Once you receive a voucher, you have 120 days to find a landlord and a unit that passes inspection. Public housing has shorter waiting lists in some cases but fewer units available; you explore to live in a specific Authority property.

Both programs require proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), a Social Security number for each household member, and a clean background check. Evictions and criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but they are reviewed case by case. Contact the Housing Authority at (817) 871-7600 or visit fortworthtx.gov/housing-authority to ask about current waiting list status.

Down payment and rental information from the City

Fort Worth's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and HOME program fund down payment help for first-time homebuyers and rental information for people at risk of homelessness or eviction. These are not the same as emergency rental information (which is temporary); these programs are ongoing but have limited funding each year.

Down payment help typically covers 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price or up to $15,000, depending on the year and available funds. You must be a first-time homebuyer, have a household income below 80 percent of the area median income (roughly $65,000 for a family of four, but this changes yearly), and have a mortgage pre-approval letter. The City works with approved nonprofits to deliver this program, so you explore through the nonprofit, not directly to the City.

Rental information through the City is smaller and more targeted. It is usually reserved for households experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of eviction. Contact the City's Housing and Community Development Department at (817) 392-8800 or visit fortworthtx.gov/housing to ask which programs are currently open and which nonprofits are taking applications.

Deed-restricted apartments and affordable rentals

Deed-restricted apartments are units built with public money (tax credits, grants, or bonds) and legally required to stay affordable for 15 to 30 years. Rent is usually 30 to 50 percent below market rate. They are scattered across Fort Worth, and each property has its own waiting list and process process.

Finding these units requires checking individual properties or using the City's affordable housing database. The Fort Worth Housing Authority website lists some deed-restricted properties. Nonprofits like Community Development Corporation of Tarrant County and Habitat for Humanity also develop and manage units. Income limits vary by property but typically range from 50 to 80 percent of area median income. You will need proof of income, references, and a background check for each property you explore to.

Waiting lists for popular properties can be months long, and some properties give preference to people who work in Fort Worth or have a connection to the neighborhood. There is no single process; you explore to each property separately. Start by calling 211 to get a list of current openings, then contact the property management office directly.

Homeownership programs and land trusts

Fort Worth has several paths to ownership beyond traditional down payment help. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) like Fort Worth Community Land Trust sell homes at below-market prices by separating the land (which the trust owns) from the house (which you own). This keeps the price low and locks in affordability for future buyers.

Habitat for Humanity North Texas builds and sells homes to low-income families. You contribute "sweat equity" (volunteer hours) as part of the down payment, and the mortgage is interest-free or very low-interest. Income limits are typically 50 to 60 percent of area median income. Habitat has a long waiting list and a formal process process that includes financial counseling.

Both CLTs and Habitat require you to live in the home as your primary residence and to maintain the property. If you sell, the CLT has a right of first refusal or a resale formula that keeps the home affordable for the next buyer. These programs move slowly — expect 12 to 24 months from process to closing — but the long-term cost is much lower than renting or buying at market rate.

Income limits and what counts as income

Fort Worth's affordable housing programs use area median income (AMI) to set income limits. A household at 50 percent AMI earns roughly half what the median Fort Worth household earns; 80 percent AMI is higher. The exact dollar amount changes every year and depends on family size.

For 2024, rough income limits are: 50 percent AMI is about $32,000 for a family of four; 60 percent AMI is about $38,000; 80 percent AMI is about $51,000. These are estimates and vary by program. The City publishes updated limits each spring on fortworthtx.gov/housing.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If you are self-employed, programs typically ask for two years of tax returns. If your income is borderline, ask the program how they calculate it; some count only gross income, while others allow deductions for child care or medical expenses.

What to bring when you explore

Every program asks for different documents, but most need the same core set. Bring photo ID (driver's license or passport), proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (utility bill or lease). If you are explore for a voucher or public housing, bring Social Security cards for all household members.

For down payment help or homeownership programs, bring a mortgage pre-approval letter from a lender. For rental information, bring your lease and proof of the hardship (eviction notice, past-due rent notice, or a letter from your landlord). For deed-restricted apartments, bring references from previous landlords or employers.

Processing times vary. Section 8 vouchers can take months to years depending on the waiting list. Down payment help and rental information usually take 4 to 8 weeks. Deed-restricted apartments vary by property but often take 2 to 4 weeks. Ask the program for a timeline when you submit your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Fort Worth to explore for these programs?

Most programs require you to live or work in Fort Worth or Tarrant County. Section 8 vouchers and public housing require you to live in the Housing Authority's jurisdiction. Down payment help and CDBG programs usually require Fort Worth residency. Some nonprofits give preference to people who work in Fort Worth. Ask the program directly; residency rules vary.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

An eviction does not automatically disqualify you from Section 8, public housing, or deed-restricted apartments. Programs review the circumstances: how long ago it was, whether you have paid the judgment, and whether your housing situation has stabilized. Older evictions (5+ years) are weighted less heavily. Be honest on your process and explain what happened if you can.

Can I explore to multiple programs at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule against explore to Section 8, a deed-restricted apartment, and a down payment program simultaneously. Each has its own waiting list and timeline. explore to multiple programs increases your chances of finding housing faster, especially if one program is full or has a long wait.

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher?

The waiting list is usually open but can be years long depending on demand and funding. Once you are on the list, the Housing Authority prioritizes based on need (homelessness, very low income, or disability). Call (817) 871-7600 to ask the current wait time. Some years the list closes when it reaches capacity.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

This is common in tight rental markets. Ask the Housing Authority's landlord liaison office for help; they maintain a list of landlords who accept vouchers and can sometimes negotiate with reluctant landlords. You can also ask friends, family, or community organizations for referrals. If you exhaust your 120-day search period, you can request an extension in writing.