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
- Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
- Properties: Multiple sites
- Opening Date: May 27, 2025
- Application Window: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (One day only)
- How to Apply: Key West Housing Manager Portal
- More Information: Monroe County Housing Authority Facebook
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Monroe County Housing Authority
⚠️ 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
- Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Opening Date: June 1, 2025
- Application Methods: Online or in-person
- In-Person Location: 2606 Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
- More Information: Housing Authority of Brownsville Website
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Brownsville Housing Authority
Critical Preparation for Key West's One-Day Opening
The Monroe County Housing Authority's May 27 opening requires immediate preparation:
Before May 27:
-
Set Up Online Access:
- Visit the application portal now
- Create your account if needed
- Test your login credentials
- Bookmark the application page
-
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
-
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):
-
Early Morning Preparation:
- Log in by 8:45 AM
- Have all documents ready
- Stay on the portal page
-
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
- Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Opening Date: June 11, 2025
- Application Window: 1 hour only or until filled
- How to Apply: Charleston Housing Authority Portal
- More Information: Charleston Housing Authority Public Notice
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Charleston Housing Authority
⚠️ 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
- Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Opening Date: May 19, 2025
- Status: Currently Open
- Closing Date: Until further notice
- Application Method: Online only (no paper applications accepted)
- More Information: Jersey City Housing Authority Document
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Jersey City Housing Authority
This ongoing opportunity provides flexibility for applicants in the Jersey City area.
Illinois
Boone County Housing Authority
- Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Opening Date: May 14, 2025
- Closing Date: May 20, 2025
- How to Apply: Boone County Housing Authority Application Portal
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - 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:
-
Create Your Account:
- Visit the application portal now
- Set up your login credentials
- Test the login multiple times
-
Prepare All Documents:
- Scan or photograph all required documents
- Save files in an easily accessible folder
- Test uploading to ensure file formats are compatible
-
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):
-
Early Preparation:
- Log in 15-30 minutes early
- Have all documents ready
- Stay on the portal/refresh if needed
-
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
- Program: Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
- Opening Date: May 30, 2025
- Opening Time: 8:30 AM
- More Information: Brunswick Housing Authority Announcement
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - 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
- Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
- Opening Date: May 16, 2025
- Closing Date: June 6, 2025
- Preferences: Seniors aged 62 and older
- Multiple Locations: Various properties throughout Cook County
- More Information: HACC PBV Announcement
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Cook County Housing Authority
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
- Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
- Opening Date: May 16, 2025
- More Information: Chester County Housing Authority Website
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Chester County Housing Authority
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
- Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Opening Date: May 12, 2025
- Closing Date: May 26, 2025
- More Information: Lycoming Housing Authority Website
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - Lycoming Housing Authority
This two-week application period provides a good opportunity for Lycoming County residents to secure housing assistance.
Texas
Houston Housing Authority
- Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
- Status: Currently Open
- Closing Date: May 16, 2025
- How to Apply: Houston Housing Authority Portal
- More Information: Housing for Houston Rent Cafe
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - 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
- Program: Section 8 Project-Based Voucher
- Status: Currently Open
- Closing Date: Until Further Notice
- How to Apply: DeKalb Housing PBV Waiting List
- More Information: DeKalb Housing PBV Program
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - DeKalb County Housing Authority
This housing authority has not formally announced a closing date for this waiting list.
New Jersey
Jersey City Housing Authority
- Programs:
- Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers
- Public Housing
- Mainstream Vouchers
- Opening Date: May 19, 2025
- How to Apply: Jersey City Housing Portal
- More Information: Jersey City Housing Authority Website
- Additional Details: HUD Housing Network - 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)
- Portable rental assistance
- Choose your own housing in the private market
- Pay approximately 30% of income toward rent
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
- Tied to specific properties
- Often shorter waiting times
- No portability to other locations
- May include additional services
Mainstream Vouchers
- Specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities
- Similar to regular HCVs but with specialized eligibility
- Targeted assistance for a specific population
Public Housing
- Government-owned properties
- Fixed locations
- Income-based rent calculations
Tips for Applying
-
Prepare Documentation:
- Photo identification
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Proof of income
- Current contact information
- Disability verification (if applicable)
-
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
-
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:
-
Shorter Wait Times:
- Often less competition than Housing Choice Vouchers
- Specific to certain properties
- May have multiple openings at once
-
Ready-to-Move Properties:
- Pre-approved units
- Known locations and amenities
- Often well-maintained
-
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!