What is Public Housing
Public housing is a federal housing program that provides safe, decent, and affordable rental homes for eligible low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed locally by housing authorities like the Housing Authority of Dry Ridge.
Public housing properties can include a variety of housing types, such as single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and apartment buildings. These homes are owned and maintained by the housing authority to provide stable housing for residents in the community.
Rent in public housing is based on household income. Most residents pay about 30% of their monthly income toward rent, which helps ensure housing remains affordable.
Public housing is different from the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. Section 8 provides vouchers that help people pay rent in private housing. The Housing Authority of Dry Ridge does not administer Section 8 or accept vouchers. Our program provides housing in properties owned and managed by our housing authority.
The Housing Authority of Dry Ridge was established in 1983 to provide affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families in our community.
How We Operate
The United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.A. § 1437) established the public housing program, which produced nearly 1.4 million units nationwide. Largely because of dispositions, demolitions and the Rental Assistance Demonstration, there are currently approximately 1 million units remaining in the public housing program. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (via its headquarters in Washington, D.C., 10 regional offices, and many local offices) administers operating funds and capital funds provided by Congress to approximately 3,300 public housing agencies (PHAs) to house eligible low-income tenants. In expending these federal funds, PHAs are subject to Section 3, which is designed to provide economic and employment opportunities to low and very low-income residents, including public housing residents.
Public housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. Public housing residents must have incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Nearly two-thirds of public housing households are considered “extremely low income,” with incomes below 30% of the AMI and an average annual income of $14,605. Additionally, 31% of public housing residents are seniors (> 62 years old), 30% of public housing households include a non-elderly family member who experiences a disability, and 3.3 million children live in public housing. Congress and HUD establish the federal rules for the public housing program that PHAs must follow. Overseen by a locally appointed board of commissioners, PHAs have discretion to adopt local policies and procedures that do not conflict with federal laws and regulations, including any selection preferences, via an Admission and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP).
Public housing is exclusively funded by Congressional appropriations and is a non-profit. Because Congress has not adequately funded public housing for decades, public housing units nationwide need a combined $45 billion (and rising) in repairs. In addition, Congress has not provided any funds to build new public housing units since the mid-1990s. This lack of funding for new and existing public housing units makes it especially critical to ensure the preservation and rehabilitation of existing public housing units. The ability of PHAs to demolish or dispose of public housing, or of certain PHAs to waive purely regulatory requirements under the Moving to Work program, adds to this risk. Additionally, the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program creates some opportunities to preserve and rehabilitate existing public housing, but allows for significant local discretion and little oversight by HUD that may impact existing tenants.
Leadership and Governance
Our staff is the backbone of the Housing Authority of Dry Ridge, working daily to deliver quality housing and essential services to our residents. With a strong focus on professionalism, integrity, and service, our team is committed to maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing while supporting the needs of the community.
From occupancy and compliance to maintenance, resident services, and financial management, our staff ensures that all programs are administered effectively and in accordance with HUD regulations and local policies. Each team member plays a vital role in promoting housing stability, encouraging self-sufficiency, and enhancing the overall quality of life for the families we serve.
Together, our staff is dedicated to operational excellence and to building a community rooted in respect, accountability, and care.
Our Board
The Housing Authority of Dry Ridge is governed by a Board of Commissioners in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 80, which establishes the authority, structure, and responsibilities of housing authority boards. The Board serves as the legally and financially responsible governing body, providing oversight to ensure the Authority operates in compliance with federal, state, and local laws while maintaining sound fiscal management.
Our Board is comprised of six members appointed by the Mayor. In alignment with both KRS and HUD requirements, the Board includes resident commissioners who are participants in the Authority’s housing programs, ensuring that resident perspectives are represented in agency decisions. Commissioners serve established terms in accordance with state law and local policy.
The Board is responsible for setting policy, overseeing financial operations, and appointing the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Through its leadership, the Board promotes accountability, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of affordable housing in our community.
If you are interested in serving on the Housing Authority Board, we welcome your interest in supporting our mission and community. In Kentucky, housing authority board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Commission in accordance with state law. If you would like to be considered for a current or future vacancy, please contact our office for more information on the appointment process.