ABOUT THE PORTSMOUTH HOUSING AUTHORITY

The mission of the Portsmouth Housing Authority is to be the leader in making quality affordable housing available for low and moderate income members of the community and to accomplish this mission by a fiscally responsible, creative organization committed to excellence.

The Authority provides both family and elderly housing, area-wide Section 8 housing, a full service Senior Center, including a comprehensive transportation program, and a summer youth program.

Persons whose incomes fall at or below 80% of median income can apply for assisted housing by picking up an application at the Central Office of the PHA located at 245 Middle Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801 or if you are disabled and cannot make it into the office you may call (603) 436-4310 and you will be mailed a copy of the application.  You can also access an application on this web site, download it, and send a copy to the office.

The Portsmouth Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Housing Provider and has both conventional and handicapped accessible units.  We provide housing without discrimination and we make and allow reasonable accommodations to families and individuals who require them.

The Portsmouth Housing Authority is administered by a six-member Board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Portsmouth and ratified by the Portsmouth City Council and serve staggered five-year terms and can be reappointed for additional five-year terms.

Current Commissioners are:
Mrs. Ruth Griffin, Chair
Mrs. Anita Freedman, Vice-Chair
Mr. John Leith, Treasurer
Mr. Albert Charest, Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Carlos Castro, Commissioner
Mr. Thomas Heany, Commissioner

The Portsmouth Housing Authority also has an affiliate non-profit organization that is The PHA Housing Development, Limited which develops new and expanded housing.  Both Boards are affiliated but operate independently.  The Board is comprised of five members; two from the Portsmouth Housing Authority and three members appointed at large.  The Portsmouth Housing Authority assigns its members to this Board and the other three members are assigned by the PHA Housing Development limited Board.

Current members are:
Mrs. Kathleen Lewis, Chair
Mr. Kevin McLeod
Mr. John Leith
Mr. Thomas Heany
Mr. Ed Hayes

Both Boards have an Executive Director that runs the day-to-day operations of both organizations

Current Executive Director is Joseph N. Couture