Portland Section 8 Waiting List Status
As of April 2026, Home Forward was reported as not accepting new applications. Contact them directly to confirm current status. Check back regularly — some PHAs reopen for short periods. See alternatives below.
Portland Section 8 Income Limits 2026
Income limits below are official HUD FY2025 figures for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA (AMI: $124,100). Source: HUD Income Limits API, effective April 1, 2025. Most Section 8 vouchers go to households at or below 50% AMI, with priority for households at or below 30% AMI.
| Household size | 30% AMI (priority) | 50% AMI (standard limit) | 80% AMI (low income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $26,100/yr | $43,450/yr | $69,550/yr |
| 2 people | $29,800/yr | $49,650/yr | $79,450/yr |
| 3 people | $33,550/yr | $55,850/yr | $89,400/yr |
| 4 people | $37,250/yr | $62,050/yr | $99,300/yr |
| 5 people | $40,250/yr | $67,050/yr | $107,250/yr |
| 6 people | $43,250/yr | $72,000/yr | $115,200/yr |
| 7 people | $48,650/yr | $76,950/yr | $123,150/yr |
| 8 people | $54,150/yr | $81,950/yr | $131,100/yr |
Source: HUD Income Limits API FY2025. Area: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Portland
Call Home Forward at 503-802-8300 or visit https://www.homeforward.org to check current status.
You can be on multiple waiting lists. Use HUD's PHA directory to find nearby housing authorities also accepting applications.
Photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, rental history, and information about all household members.
Home Forward may give priority to veterans, domestic violence survivors, people experiencing homelessness, or working families. Ask about preference categories when you apply.
Section 8 Waitlist Closed? Other Help Available in Portland
If the Portland Section 8 list is closed, these programs can help while you wait:
- Emergency rental assistance: Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency for emergency rent help
- Public housing: Ask Home Forward about separate public housing availability — different list from Section 8
- Nearby PHAs: Apply to PHAs in surrounding counties that may have open lists
- LIHEAP: Oregon energy bill assistance
- SNAP: Food assistance in Oregon
- HUD rental assistance: Other HUD programs beyond Section 8
Other Housing Authorities Near Portland
Section 8 waiting lists open and close independently. If Home Forward is not currently accepting applications, check these nearby housing authorities in Oregon — they may have open lists:
Use HUD's PHA directory to find all housing authorities near Portland.
Waitlist status last verified April 2026. Always contact each PHA directly to confirm current availability.