What is a primary responsibility of a Public Housing Authority (PHA)?

The primary responsibility of a Public Housing Authority (PHA) is to establish policies and provide housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. PHAs play a crucial role in fostering affordable housing options and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines that govern housing programs. By creating policies, PHAs can tailor housing assistance programs to meet the specific needs of their communities, effectively improving access to safe and decent housing.

While conducting inspections, implementing federal laws, and managing tenant complaints are also significant functions within the scope of a PHA's duties, they are more specialized tasks that support the overarching goal of providing housing assistance. Therefore, establishing policies and ensuring the provision of housing assistance is the central duty that encapsulates the PHA’s mission and operations.