West Helena Housing Authority

West Helena Housing Authority is a local government housing authority based in West Helena, Arkansas, that receives formula grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Public and Indian Housing Office to operate and modernize public housing serving low-income residents in the region. As a recipient of HUD grants rather than a federal contractor, the authority operates 100% as a prime recipient with no subcontract involvement, and works exclusively with HUD under two principal grant programs.

The authority's federal footprint centers on two HUD grant vehicles administered by the Public and Indian Housing Office: the Public Housing Operating Fund (CFDA 14.850) and the Public Housing Capital Fund (CFDA 14.872). Operating Fund grants provide day-to-day subsidies for property management, routine and preventive maintenance, anti-crime and security activities, energy costs, resident supportive services, insurance, debt service, and administrative expenses. Capital Fund grants support modernization, development, and infrastructure upgrades to the authority's public housing inventory, including unit acquisition, construction, energy efficiency improvements, and emergency repairs, all constrained to activities specified in the authority's approved five-year action plan or HUD-approved emergency work. Recent grant awards include a $1.76 million four-year Capital Fund grant dated April 1, 2026, with completion targeted for March 31, 2030; a $413,904 Operating Fund grant effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2032; and a $384,516 Operating Fund grant covering the same period, both supporting ongoing operational and maintenance activities.

The authority has received forty-five grant awards since 2006, with annual award volume holding steady at three per year from 2022 through 2026. Combined dollars obligated total $31.1 million. Three awards with ultimate completion dates in the next twenty-four months will require recompete action. The authority maintains HUD-provided web-based platforms with real-time data access to track funding levels, occupancy rates, and families served, ensuring compliance with the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and stewardship of federal resources in support of low-income housing.