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Mena, AR

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Mena, Arkansas

All waiting lists in Mena are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Mena, 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 Mena, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Mena, Arkansas

Mena, Arkansas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Mena are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Mena include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Mena right now, there are 18 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.

About Housing in Mena, Arkansas

If you are seeking affordable housing options in Mena, Arkansas, understanding the local resources is key. The area is primarily served by the Polk County Housing Authority, which manages programs designed to assist low-income individuals and families.

Currently, the Polk County Housing Authority has one waiting list open for its Public Housing program. The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed. Prospective applicants should contact the Polk County Housing Authority directly for precise application instructions and to confirm current waitlist statuses, as these can change. There are approximately 311 assisted housing units available across the area.

Eligibility for these programs depends on various factors, including income. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Polk County, AR area is $33,550 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. This threshold helps determine who qualifies for assistance. The state housing agency overseeing these efforts is the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA). When applying, always ensure all required documentation is complete and submit applications promptly to avoid missing important deadlines.

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How to Apply for Section 8 in Mena

To apply for housing assistance in Mena, Arkansas, submit an application directly to Polk County Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 Mena 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).

Mena, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Mena, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Polk 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 $66,200.

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: $66,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Mena 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 Mena?
Currently, all waiting lists in Mena, Arkansas are closed. Section 8 Waitlist checks every housing authority nightly and will show openings as soon as they occur. In the meantime, consider applying to nearby cities listed below.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Mena 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 Mena?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Mena 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