Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Park Forest, Illinois
All waiting lists in Park Forest are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Park Forest, Illinois 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 Park Forest, 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 Park Forest, Illinois
Park Forest, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Park Forest are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 19 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Park Forest include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Park Forest right now, there are 19 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 Park Forest, Illinois
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Park Forest, Illinois, the primary local agency is the Housing Authority of Park Forest. This authority manages approximately 181 assisted housing units within the area. Programs available through the Housing Authority of Park Forest include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Currently, there are no open waiting lists for these programs, with one list previously open now closed. Applicants should regularly check for updates on when new waiting lists may open.
To qualify for assistance, households must meet specific income guidelines. For example, a family of four considered Very Low Income in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025 has an income limit of $59,950 per year. These limits vary by family size and are updated annually. Beyond local resources, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is the state housing agency that may offer additional programs or resources. Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed about eligibility requirements and monitor the Housing Authority of Park Forest's announcements for any changes in waitlist status or new opportunities.
Housing Authorities in Park Forest
How to Apply for Section 8 in Park Forest
To apply for housing assistance in Park Forest, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Park Forest, 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 $59,950/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 Park Forest include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD. 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).
Park Forest, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Park Forest, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $59,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,200 | $42,000 | $67,150 |
| 2 Persons | $28,800 | $48,000 | $76,750 |
| 3 Persons | $32,400 | $54,000 | $86,350 |
| 4 Persons | $35,950 | $59,950 | $95,900 |
| 5 Persons | $38,850 | $64,750 | $103,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,550 | $111,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,350 | $118,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $79,150 | $126,600 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Park Forest 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 Park Forest and have active housing programs.