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Section 8 Waiting Lists Open February 2026

Brittney Richey
Published February 03, 2026 01:02:am EST

Section 8 and Public Housing Waiting Lists Opening February 2026

Introduction

February 2026 brings numerous affordable housing opportunities across the United States as housing authorities open their Section 8, Project-Based Voucher, and Public Housing waiting lists. This comprehensive update highlights urgent openings in Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California, along with upcoming opportunities in Georgia, Colorado, and Florida. Several require immediate action due to brief application windows, while others offer extended periods for thorough preparation.

Currently Open - Immediate Action Required

Virginia

Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority

  • Program: RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Project-Based Voucher
  • Opening Date: February 2, 2026
  • Closing Date: Saturday, February 8, 2026
  • Unit Types: Studio through 4-bedroom units
  • Multiple Properties: Various locations throughout Fairfax County
  • Application Method: Online only
  • Preference: Local preference for Fairfax County residents or workers
  • Contact Phone: 703-246-5100
  • More Information: Fairfax County Housing Waitlist

Closes February 8 - less than one week remaining!

North Carolina

Wilson Housing Authority

  • Programs:
    • Public Housing
    • Eatmon Townhomes
  • Opening Date: February 2, 2026
  • Public Housing Communities:
    • Whitfield Homes
    • Forrest Road
    • EB Jordan
    • One application covers all three communities
  • Eatmon Townhomes:
    • 32 two-bedroom units
    • Separate application
  • Application Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
  • Contact Phone: 252-291-2245
  • More Information: Wilson Housing Authority

Pennsylvania

Allegheny County Housing Authority - McKees Rocks

  • Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
  • Opening Date: February 4, 2026 at 6:00 AM
  • Closing Date: February 5, 2026 at 11:00 PM
  • Application Window: 41 hours only
  • Selection Method: Random lottery
  • Application Method: Online only
  • How to Apply: achsng.myhousing.com
  • Contact Phone: 412-355-8940

Opens tomorrow! Only 41-hour window - prepare now!

California

Housing Authority of the County of Merced

  • Programs:
    • Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
    • Public Housing
  • Properties Available:
    • Devonwood
    • Tierrasanta (closes February 9)
    • Gateway Terrace
    • Grove
    • Midway
    • Twelve Thirteen
    • Atwater
    • Dos Palos
    • Livingston
    • Los Banos
    • Merced
  • Closing Dates:
    • PBV Tierrasanta: February 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM
    • All remaining properties: February 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM
  • Application Method: Online only
  • How to Apply: rental.merced-pha.com
  • More Information: Merced Housing Authority

Opening Soon - Mark Your Calendar

Georgia

Northwest Georgia Housing Authority - Rome

  • Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
  • Property: Park Homes
  • Opening Date: February 11, 2026
  • Closing Date: February 13, 2026
  • Unit Type: 2-bedroom units only
  • Application Window: 3 days only
  • Application Method: Online only
  • Contact Phone: 706-235-0247
  • More Information: Northwest Georgia Housing Authority Notice

Colorado

Housing Authority of the City of Aurora

  • Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher - Mainstream
  • Opening Date: February 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM MDT
  • Closing Date: March 6, 2026
  • Selection Method: Lottery
  • Application Window: 19 days
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Non-elderly applicants (ages 18-61)
    • Verifiable disability
    • Homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness
  • Application Method: Online only
  • How to Apply: www.aurorahousing.org
  • More Information: Aurora Housing Authority

This specialized program targets a specific vulnerable population with an extended lottery period.

Florida

West Palm Beach Housing Authority - Boynton Bay Apartments

  • Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
  • Property: Boynton Bay Apartments
  • Location: Boynton Beach, Florida
  • Opening Date: February 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • Unit Types: 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom
  • Eligibility: Age 62 and older
  • Application Method: Online only
  • How to Apply: www.wpbha.org
  • Contact Phone: (561) 659-9455
  • More Information: West Palm Beach Housing Authority Alert

Critical Application Timeline

Immediate Action (This Week):

  1. Allegheny County, PA - February 4-5 (41 hours, lottery)
  2. Fairfax County, VA - Closes February 8
  3. Merced County (Tierrasanta), CA - Closes February 9

Apply Soon (Mid-February):

  1. Northwest Georgia - February 11-13 (3 days)
  2. Aurora, CO - February 16 - March 6 (19 days, lottery)

Late February:

  1. West Palm Beach, FL - February 21
  2. Wilson, NC - Closes February 24
  3. Merced County (remaining properties), CA - Closes February 25

Understanding the Different Programs

RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Vouchers

Fairfax County's RAD program offers:

  1. Converted Properties:

    • Former public housing converted to Section 8 platform
    • Often recently renovated
    • Better long-term funding stability

  2. Project-Based Structure:

    • Tied to specific properties
    • Multiple locations available
    • Various unit sizes (studio-4BR)

Housing Choice Vouchers

Traditional HCV programs (Allegheny County, Aurora) provide:

  1. Flexibility:

    • Choose qualifying housing
    • Portable between jurisdictions
    • Pay ~30% of income toward rent

  2. Mainstream Vouchers (Aurora):

    • Specifically for non-elderly with disabilities
    • Additional eligibility requirements
    • Targeted assistance for vulnerable population

Project-Based Vouchers

Multiple PBV openings (Merced, Northwest Georgia, West Palm Beach) offer:

  1. Property-Specific Assistance:

    • Tied to designated developments
    • No housing search required
    • Pre-approved quality housing

  2. Specialized Housing:

    • Senior housing (West Palm Beach)
    • Family housing (Northwest Georgia - 2BR)
    • Multiple property options (Merced)

Public Housing

Traditional public housing (Wilson, Merced) provides:

  1. Government-Owned Properties:
    • Fixed locations
    • Income-based rent
    • Long-term stability

Application Strategies

For Ultra-Brief Windows (41 hours - Allegheny County):

  1. Apply Immediately at Opening:

    • February 4 at 6:00 AM
    • Don't delay even an hour
    • Have everything ready night before

  2. Lottery System:

    • Timing within window doesn't affect placement
    • Focus on accuracy over speed
    • Complete application carefully

  3. Technology Preparation:

    • Test portal access now
    • Have backup internet ready
    • Charge all devices

For Short Windows (3 days - Northwest Georgia):

  1. Apply on Opening Day:

    • February 11 recommended
    • Don't wait until February 13
    • Allow time for technical issues

  2. Unit-Specific:

    • 2-bedroom only
    • Verify family size requirements
    • Ensure household qualifies

For Extended Lotteries (19 days - Aurora):

  1. Specialized Eligibility:

    • Verify disability documentation
    • Confirm age (18-61)
    • Prove homelessness/imminent risk status

  2. Apply Early:

    • Week one recommended
    • Time for questions or corrections
    • Reduced last-minute pressure

For Senior Housing (West Palm Beach):

  1. Age Verification Ready:

    • 62+ requirement
    • Birth certificate prepared
    • Apply immediately at 8:00 AM opening

  2. First-Come Placement:

    • Earlier applications have priority
    • Set alarms for February 21 at 8:00 AM
    • Multiple bedroom options (2BR, 3BR)

For Multiple Property Options (Merced):

  1. Apply to Multiple Properties:

    • Increases placement chances
    • Different closing dates
    • Various locations available

  2. Prioritize Applications:

    • Tierrasanta closes first (Feb 9)
    • Others close February 25
    • Apply to preferred properties first

Required Documentation

All Programs:

  1. Identity Verification:

    • Photo ID for all household members 18+
    • Social Security cards
    • Birth certificates

  2. Income Documentation:

    • Recent pay stubs (4-6 weeks)
    • Employment verification letters
    • Benefits statements (SSI, SSDI, TANF, etc.)
    • Bank statements

  3. Household Composition:

    • All household member information
    • Proof of relationships
    • Custody documents if applicable

Additional for Specific Programs:

Mainstream Vouchers (Aurora):

  • Disability verification from medical professional
  • Age verification (18-61)
  • Homelessness documentation or proof of imminent risk

Senior Housing (West Palm Beach):

  • Age verification (62+)
  • Birth certificate, driver's license, or passport

Local Preference (Fairfax County):

  • Proof of residency in Fairfax County
  • OR proof of employment in Fairfax County

Special Focus: Specialized Programs

Aurora Mainstream Vouchers

This opening specifically serves:

  1. Non-Elderly with Disabilities:

    • Ages 18-61
    • Verifiable disability required
    • Not for seniors (62+)

  2. Homeless/At-Risk:

    • Currently homeless
    • OR at imminent risk of homelessness
    • Documentation required

  3. Extended Lottery Period:

    • 19 days to apply
    • Fair chance for all qualifying applicants
    • Random selection after closing

Multiple Property Opportunities

Merced County's extensive list offers:

  1. Geographic Diversity:

    • Multiple cities: Atwater, Dos Palos, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced
    • Various neighborhood options
    • Different property types

  2. Flexible Options:

    • Apply to multiple properties
    • Different unit sizes available
    • Two closing dates (Feb 9 and Feb 25)

Conclusion

These February 2026 housing waiting list openings represent critical opportunities across seven states, with several requiring immediate action this week. The most time-sensitive is the Allegheny County 41-hour lottery opening tomorrow (February 4-5), followed by closings in Fairfax County (February 8) and Merced County's Tierrasanta (February 9).

pply now!"

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Section 8 Waiting List?

Section 8 Waiting lists are lists that are maintained by local Housing Authorities to determine who receives a section 8 housing voucher. Each list is different in the way that it operates. Some housing authorities use a lottery system where recipients are chosen at random and others operate a list on a first-come, first-serve basis. Getting your name on your local housing authorities waiting list is typically the first step toward securing a housing voucher.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Voucher Once Im On the Waiting List?

The time it takes to get a voucher once on a section 8 waiting list depends on a number of factors. Some housing authority’s waitlist is very small and voucher assistance can be provided quickly. In larger communities with long waiting lists the times can take months or longer.

How Do I Check My Status on the Waiting List?

Contact the housing authority that maintains the waiting list you are currently on. This is a critical step as some housing authorities will remove names from their waiting list in an effort to keep their list up to date. Its recommended to continually check your status to ensure that your name remains on the waiting list and you continue to express your need for affordable housing.

What Happens Once My Name is Selected From The Waiting List?

Typically the housing authority will do final checks to ensure that you still meet the eligibility requirements such as income restrictions and also confirm your household size hasnt changed. This helps ensure your receiving the proper amount of assistance. Once final checks and approvals are complete you can begin yoru search for an affordable home that accepts your section 8 voucher.

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