Frequently Asked Questions

DEFINITIONS OF PREFERENCES

WESTERLY RESIDENT (aka LOCAL) – To receive this preference the family must live or work in Westerly, RI.

DISABLED HOUSEHOLD – A family whose head, spouse, co-head or sole member has a physical or mental disability.   “Physical or mental disability” means: A. Physical or Mental disability, defined – “Physical or mental disability means: 1. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; 2. Significantly impairs physical or mental health; 3. Requires special education, vocational rehabilitation or related services; Without regard to severity unless otherwise indicated: absent, artificial or replacement limbs, hands, feet or vital organs; alcoholism; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; bipolar disorder; blindness or abnormal vision loss; cancer; cerebral palsy; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Crohn’s disease; cystic fibrosis; deafness or abnormal hearing loss; diabetes; substantial disfigurement; epilepsy; heart disease; HIV or AIDS; kidney or renal diseases; lupus; major depressive disorder; mastectomy; mental retardation; multiple sclerosis; muscular dystrophy; paralysis; Parkinson’s disease; pervasive developmental disorders; rheumatoid arthritis; schizophrenia; and acquired brain injury. B. With respect to an individual, having a record of any of the conditions in paragraph A; or C. With respect to an individual, being regarded as having or likely to develop any of the conditions in paragraph A.

WORKING HOUSEHOLD – A family whose head of household, spouse, or co-head is currently employed.

Q: How do I return my pre-application to the Westerly Housing Authority?

A:  You can mail the pre-application and any copies to the management office or you can scan and email it to

Q:  How do I receive a preference?

A:  Provide copies of documentation that shows you meet the definition of the preference.  Below are some examples, but you are not limited to the items listed.

• Westerly Resident:  Copy of a photo ID listing a Westerly Address, a copy of a bill mailed to you with a Westerly address, copy of a pay stub with your address or the employer’s address is in Westerly.
• Disabled Household:  Copy of SSI or SSDI Award Letter, Qualifying Professional letterhead stating the above mention definition is met.
• Working Household:  Copy of a recent paystub, Tax Return (2015) or Employment Contract.  All part-time and full-time employment qualifies.

Q: Can the Housing Authority make copies for me?

A:  No, due to the anticipated amount of interested households in need and the limited resources of the management office, we cannot offer this convince to our applicants.

Q: What does a preference mean to my placement on the waiting list?

A:  Westerly Housing Authority applies one point per preference and then sorts the applicants into 3 groups: Two Point group, One Point group and the Zero Point group.  There are 200 spots available and they are filled from the Two Point Group first, the One Point Group second and the Zero Point Group last.  If a particular group is larger than the space available, the remaining spots will be assigned by lottery in that group.  Once all 200 spots on the waiting list have been filled, all other pre-applications will be destroyed.

Q: Do I have to report changes in my pre-application once I am on the waiting list?

A:  If you are placed on our waiting list, it is your responsibility to make sure we have your current contact information.  If you are selected from the list and WHA cannot contact you, you will be removed from the waiting list.  All preferences will be verified again at time of selection for a voucher.  If you have been found to no longer qualify for a preference you will be placed back on the waiting list in the proper location, according to preference and lottery.

Q: Will I know my placement on the waiting list?  Can I contact WHA for updates?

A:  All applicants selected for the waiting list will be contacted in writing with their initial ‘number’ on the waiting list.  WHA will update you of your place on your annual information update letter.  WHA will not inform anyone of their ‘number’ or ‘spot’ on the waiting list at any other time.

Q: How do I request a reasonable accommodation due to my disability?

A:  Please contact the Management Office so we may assist you.  The location for distribution of pre-applications is fully accessible for persons with disabilities.