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Section 8 Waiting Lists Open March 2026

Brittney Richey
Published March 31, 2026 12:55:am EST

Section 8 and Public Housing Waiting Lists Opening March 2026

Introduction

Late March and early April 2026 bring an unprecedented wave of affordable housing opportunities across the United States, with 14 housing authorities opening their Section 8 and rental assistance waiting lists during the same week. This comprehensive update highlights openings in Georgia, North Carolina, California, Michigan, Maryland (multiple jurisdictions), U.S. Virgin Islands, Iowa, Colorado, and Delaware. This coordinated opening represents one of the largest nationwide housing assistance opportunities of the year.

Opening Monday, March 30

Georgia

Housing Authority of the City of Winder

Contact housing authority for specific program details and closing dates.

North Carolina

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham

Major opportunity serving North Carolina's Research Triangle region.

Opening Tuesday, March 31

California

Housing Authority of the City of Paso Robles

Central California coast opportunity with property-specific vouchers.

Major April 1 Opening - 11 Housing Authorities

Michigan (2 Openings)

Albion Housing Commission

Battle Creek Housing Commission

Maryland (5 Openings)

Queen Anne's County Housing Authority - Centreville

Wicomico County Housing Authority - Salisbury

Cecil County Housing Agency - Elkton

Housing Authority of Cambridge

Housing Authority of Crisfield

U.S. Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Housing Authority - St. Thomas

Territory-wide opportunity serving St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

Iowa

City of Dubuque

Colorado

Colorado Division of Housing - Denver

Statewide emergency assistance program.

Delaware

Delaware State Housing Authority - Dover

 

Opening This Week

Virginia

Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Check website for closing date and specific property information.

Illinois

Housing Authority of the City of Rock Island

Multiple program types opening simultaneously.

Pennsylvania

Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne - Wilkes-Barre

Traditional HCV program offering portable rental assistance.

Opening This Weekend

Hawaii

Hawaii Public Housing Authority - Honolulu

Statewide PBV opportunity serving all Hawaiian islands.

Currently Open

New York

Village of Spring Valley Housing Authority

This extended application window provides adequate time for thorough preparation.

Ohio

Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority

Brief 5-day window - apply soon!

Opening This Week

Massachusetts

Beverly Housing Authority

CRITICAL: Single-day opening only - prepare now for March 18!

Opening This Weekend

Hawaii

Hawaii Public Housing Authority - Honolulu

Statewide opportunity serving all Hawaiian islands.

Opening This Weekend

Ohio

Crawford Metropolitan Housing Authority - Galion

Check website for closing date and complete application details.

Opening Monday, March 9

California

Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

Lottery system ensures fair selection for both senior and general properties.

Opening Tuesday, March 10

South Carolina

Housing Authority of Cheraw

One-day in-person event - plan to attend on March 10!

Louisiana

Housing Authority of the City of Bossier City

Contact housing authority for closing date and additional details.

Opening Wednesday, March 11

Indiana

Housing Authority of the City of Anderson

Contact housing authority for closing date and complete information.

Opening Monday, March 16

New York

Village of Spring Valley Housing Authority

Contact Rockland County DSS for complete application details.

Pennsylvania

Northampton County Housing Authority - Nazareth

Ohio

Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority

Ohio

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority - Cleveland

Check website for closing date and additional details.

Opening Monday, March 2

Illinois

Housing Authority of the City of Rock Island

Multiple Waiting Lists Opening:

  1. Voss Brothers Lofts - PBV (Market Rate)
    • Unit Type: 2-bedroom market rate units
    • Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
    • Application: Online at riha4rent.org
  2. Public Housing
    • Opening Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
    • Application: Online at riha4rent.org
    • Contact Phone: (309) 788-0825
  3. General Waiting List
    • Opening Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
    • Application: Online at riha4rent.org
    • Contact Phone: (309) 788-0825

Multiple opportunities available through the same housing authority.

Rhode Island

Cumberland Housing Authority

Contact for application details and closing date.

California

Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa - Martinez

Housing Authority of the City of Richmond

Richmond PBV is administered by Contra Costa County - one application may cover both.

Pennsylvania

Housing Authority of the County of Berks - Reading

Opening Later This Week

Minnesota

Washington County CDA - Woodbury

⚠️ URGENT: Only 3-day window - prepare now!

Colorado

Housing Authority of the City of Pueblo

This specialized program serves agricultural workers.

Critical Application Timeline

Opening This Weekend:

  1. Cleveland, OH - March 1 (check for details)

Opening Monday, March 2:

  1. Rock Island, IL - Multiple lists (Voss Brothers deadline March 2, others TBD)
  2. Cumberland, RI - Public Housing (check for details)
  3. Contra Costa County, CA - March 2-19 (18 days)
  4. Richmond, CA - March 2-19 (18 days, via Contra Costa)
  5. Berks County, PA - March 2-9 (exactly 7 days, veterans preference)

Opening Tuesday-Thursday:

  1. Washington County, MN - March 3-5 (3 days only)
  2. Pueblo, CO - March 3 (farm labor, in-person)
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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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