Westerly Housing Authority was created by the Town of Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1966 by enabling legislation.

The Board of Commissioners are appointed for 5 year terms by the Westerly Town Council. The Housing Authority is a separate entity, governed by a 5 member Board of Commissioners.

The Commissioners' regular monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month starting at 6pm. The meeting location alternates between the Park View and Chestnut Court community centers.

Westerly Housing Authority has 5 full time staff members and an executive director. 2 staff members provide maintenance to all facilities and the remaining three provide administrative/clerical duties for all properties and programs. The Executive Director provides oversight for the entire operation, including personnel management, accounting and compliance with HUD regulations.

Westerly Housing Authority receives all of its funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds provide the resources for construction or purchase of the properties held by the Westerly Housing Authority as well as capital improvement grants for maintenance and facility updating.