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Section 8 Waiting Lists Open May 2025

Brittney Richey
Published May 26, 2025 04:44:pm EST

May 26, 2025 UPDATE

As we transition from May to June 2025, two housing authorities are opening their Section 8 waiting lists, providing an opportunity for individuals and families to secure housing assistance. This update highlights a one-day opening in Key West, Florida, and an upcoming opportunity in Brownsville, Texas.

Florida

Monroe County Housing Authority - Key West

⚠️ URGENT: This is a one-day only opening with a 7-hour window. Immediate preparation is essential!

Texas

Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville

Critical Preparation for Key West's One-Day Opening

The Monroe County Housing Authority's May 27 opening requires immediate preparation:

Before May 27:

  1. Set Up Online Access:

    • Visit the application portal now
    • Create your account if needed
    • Test your login credentials
    • Bookmark the application page

  2. Gather Required Documents:

    • Photo identification for all household members
    • Social Security cards
    • Birth certificates
    • Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters)
    • Current contact information
    • Rental history

  3. Technology Checklist:

    • Ensure reliable internet connection
    • Have backup connection ready (mobile data)
    • Charge all devices fully
    • Close unnecessary programs/browsers

Day of Application (May 27):

  1. Early Morning Preparation:

    • Log in by 8:45 AM
    • Have all documents ready
    • Stay on the portal page

  2. Apply Immediately at 9:00 AM:

    • Start application as soon as window opens
    • Complete all fields quickly but accurately
    • Submit before 4:00 PM deadline

May 19 2025 UPDATE

As we move through late May aseveral housing authorities across the United States are opening their Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists. For the week of May 19, 2025 HUD Housing Network highlights openings in South Carolina, New Jersey, and Illinois. 

Housing Authority of the City of Charleston

⚠️ CRITICAL ALERT: This is an extremely limited opening. Mark your calendar immediately and set multiple reminders for June 11, 2025!

New Jersey

Jersey City Housing Authority

This ongoing opportunity provides flexibility for applicants in the Jersey City area.

Illinois

Boone County Housing Authority

This brief window offers a week-long application period for Boone County residents.

Emergency Preparation for Charleston's One-Hour Opening

The Charleston Housing Authority's opening requires special preparation due to its extremely limited window:

Before June 11:

  1. Create Your Account:

    • Visit the application portal now
    • Set up your login credentials
    • Test the login multiple times

  2. Prepare All Documents:

    • Scan or photograph all required documents
    • Save files in an easily accessible folder
    • Test uploading to ensure file formats are compatible

  3. Technology Setup:

    • Ensure stable internet connection
    • Have a backup connection ready (mobile hotspot)
    • Close unnecessary browser tabs/programs
    • Charge devices fully

Day of Application (June 11):

  1. Early Preparation:

    • Log in 15-30 minutes early
    • Have all documents ready
    • Stay on the portal/refresh if needed

  2. Apply Immediately:

    • Start application as soon as the window opens
    • Don't delay for any reason
    • Complete all fields quickly but accurately

May 12 2025 UPDATE

For the week of May 12 2025 HUD Housing Networks announces the. opening Section 8 Waiting Lists for several housing authorities across the United States. This update highlights openings in Georgia, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, offering crucial information for those in need of housing support.

Georgia

Brunswick Housing Authority

The Brunswick Housing Authority provides an opportunity for residents to apply for portable housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program.

Illinois

Housing Authority of Cook County

With a three-week application window, the Housing Authority of Cook County offers senior-focused housing opportunities at multiple locations.

Pennsylvania

Housing Authority of the County of Chester

Chester County's PBV waiting list provides access to specific housing developments through the Project-Based Voucher program.

HUD Housing Network has announced 4 Section 8 Waiting List Openings so far for May 2025. This update highlights openings in Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey, providing an opportunity for families and individuals in need of affordable housing.

Pennsylvania

Lycoming Housing Authority

This two-week application period provides a good opportunity for Lycoming County residents to secure housing assistance.

Texas

Houston Housing Authority

The Houston Housing Authority notes that PBV waiting lists often have shorter wait times than the regular HCV program.

Georgia

Housing Authority of DeKalb County

This housing authority has not formally announced a closing date for this waiting list.

New Jersey

Jersey City Housing Authority

Jersey City's multiple waiting list openings provide diverse options for housing assistance.

Understanding Different Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)

Mainstream Vouchers

Public Housing

Tips for Applying

  1. Prepare Documentation:

    • Photo identification
    • Social Security cards
    • Birth certificates
    • Proof of income
    • Current contact information
    • Disability verification (if applicable)

  2. Application Strategy:

    • Apply early in the opening period
    • Consider applying to multiple programs
    • Read all eligibility requirements carefully
    • Keep track of confirmation numbers
    • Save copies of submissions

  3. Follow Up:

    • Keep contact information current
    • Document submission dates
    • Check application status when possible

Benefits of Project-Based Vouchers

Many of this month's openings are for Project-Based Vouchers, which offer several advantages:

  1. Shorter Wait Times:

    • Often less competition than Housing Choice Vouchers
    • Specific to certain properties
    • May have multiple openings at once

  2. Ready-to-Move Properties:

    • Pre-approved units
    • Known locations and amenities
    • Often well-maintained

  3. Stability:

    • Fixed locations with ongoing assistance
    • Consistent housing costs
    • Community environment

Conclusion

These Section 8 and other housing assistance waiting list openings across Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey represent significant opportunities for individuals and families seeking affordable housing. With varying application periods and program types, it's important to understand the differences and requirements for each.

Whether you're seeking a Housing Choice Voucher in Lycoming County, a Project-Based Voucher in Houston or DeKalb County, or exploring multiple options in Jersey City, these programs can substantially reduce housing costs by limiting rent to approximately 30% of household income. Stay proactive, be prepared, and good luck with your housing search!

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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.

Emergency Rental Assistance Guide

Major crises can cause significant housing instability Emergency Rental Assistance programs can help. Learn more here.

Tenant Based Vouchers

What is a tenant-based voucher program? Find all the details in our comprehensive guide.

Project Based Vouchers

What is a project-based voucher, and how can you benefit from it? Use our guide to learn all about this federal program.

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