Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Alma, Arkansas
There is 1 open waiting list in the Alma area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Alma, Arkansas and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Alma, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Alma, Arkansas
Alma, Arkansas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Alma area. There are also 20 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Alma include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Alma opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Alma, Arkansas
Affordable housing assistance in Alma, Arkansas is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of the City of Alma. This authority oversees various programs designed to help eligible low-income individuals and families secure housing. Currently, the Housing Authority of the City of Alma has one waiting list open for its Public Housing program, while its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waiting list is presently closed to new applicants. There are approximately 92 assisted housing units available in the Alma area.
Eligibility for these programs is based on income and other factors. For instance, the income limit for a family of four to qualify as "Very Low Income" in the Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA area for fiscal year 2025 is $36,300 annually. It is important for applicants to understand that specific income limits may vary based on household size and program type. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Housing Authority of the City of Alma directly for application details, current status of waiting lists, and to understand specific eligibility criteria for the Public Housing program.
Housing Authorities in Alma
How to Apply for Section 8 in Alma
To apply for housing assistance in Alma, Arkansas, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Alma, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $36,300/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Alma include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Alma, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Alma, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $36,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $80,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,650 | $25,450 | $40,700 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $29,050 | $46,500 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $32,700 | $52,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $36,300 | $58,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $39,250 | $62,750 |
| 6 Persons | $42,150 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
| 7 Persons | $45,050 | $45,050 | $72,050 |
| 8 Persons | $47,950 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Alma use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Alma and have active housing programs.