Steps for applying for Public Housing:

1. Ways to obtain an application:
a. Come in to the Switzer Center located at 900 Griffin Drive, Charleston, WV.
b. Call (304) 348-6888, 348-6819, or 348-0527 to request having one mailed to their address.
c. Stop by various Public Housing Sites.
d. Download application (PDF, 77K) from the web site.

2. Things needed to process application:
a. Birth Certificate (for all household members)
b. Social Security Card (for all household members)
c. Photo ID (for everyone over the age of 18)
d. Proof of income

3. Release of information:
a. Landlord Verification or reference
b. Income verification
c. Criminal background check (if indication of criminal record; fingerprints are required).

4.Completion of application process:
a. All verification are returned and no negative responses from any reference source.
b. Placed on the waiting list.

5. Process of denial of application:
a. Notification of applicant of denial and reasons for not being accepted.
b. Potential applicant may request informal hearing to appeal the denial decision. This request must be made within 10 business days.
c. The decision from the informal hearing will be either be upheld or overturned. If decision is overturned the applicant will be placed according to the original application date.

Working Preference

The Working Preference is provided when at least one adult in your household is employed for at least 20 hours per week. You must complete a working preference form and provide documentation of employment with either a copy of a recent pay stub (within the past month) or a letter from your employer.

The Working Preference is also extended to elderly families and to families whose head or spouse are receiving income based on their inability to work (such as SSI).

Some reasons for denial of applicant:
· Criminal Record,
· Bad Landlord reference,
· Previous tenant left owing money to Charleston-Kanawha Housing or other landlord.