Forrest City, AR

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Forrest City, Arkansas

There is 1 open waiting list in the Forrest City area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Forrest City, 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 Forrest City, 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.

2
Agencies
1
Open Now
2
Closed

Affordable Housing in Forrest City, Arkansas

Forrest City, Arkansas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Forrest City area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Forrest City include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Forrest City opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Forrest City, Arkansas

Forrest City, Arkansas is served by two primary housing authorities dedicated to providing affordable housing options: the St. Francis County Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Forrest City. These agencies administer various programs to assist residents, contributing to approximately 951 assisted housing units available in the area.

Currently, there is 1 open waiting list for housing assistance in Forrest City, with 2 other waiting lists presently closed. Programs offered by these housing authorities include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). Specifically, the Public Housing program currently has an open waiting list, while all HCV, Mainstream, PBV, and RAD program waiting lists are closed. For a family of four in the St. Francis County, AR area, the Very Low Income limit for FY2025 is $33,550 per year. It is important for prospective applicants to verify their household income against current guidelines.

The state housing agency, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), also supports affordable housing initiatives statewide. Individuals interested in applying for assistance should contact the St. Francis County Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Forrest City directly for the most current information on eligibility, application processes, and waiting list statuses.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Forrest City

To apply for housing assistance in Forrest City, Arkansas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Forrest City area (listed above). 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 $33,550/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 Forrest City include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).

Forrest City, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Forrest City, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the St. Francis County, AR area. A family of four must earn less than $33,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $55,400.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $15,650 $23,500 $37,600
2 Persons $21,150 $26,850 $43,000
3 Persons $26,650 $30,200 $48,350
4 Persons $32,150 $33,550 $53,700
5 Persons $36,250 $36,250 $58,000
6 Persons $38,950 $38,950 $62,300
7 Persons $41,650 $41,650 $66,600
8 Persons $44,300 $44,300 $70,900
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $55,400 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Forrest City 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Forrest City?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Forrest City, Arkansas. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Forrest City if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Forrest City?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Forrest City wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Arkansas