Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lake Charles, Louisiana
All waiting lists in Lake Charles are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Lake Charles, Louisiana 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 Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles, Louisiana is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Lake Charles are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 24 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Lake Charles include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Lake Charles right now, there are 24 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 Lake Charles, Louisiana
Affordable housing assistance in Lake Charles, Louisiana is administered by two primary agencies: the Housing Authority of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department. Currently, all 10 waiting lists for various housing programs are closed. In total, there are approximately 3,522 assisted housing units available across the area.
Programs offered through these authorities include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Shelter Plus Care Program (S+C), Homeownership Program, and the Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing Program. For eligibility purposes, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025 is $43,100 per year. The state housing agency providing oversight is the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC).
Given that all waiting lists are presently closed, individuals seeking housing assistance should regularly monitor the official announcements from both the Housing Authority of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department. Staying informed about when specific program waiting lists may reopen is essential for prospective applicants.
Housing Authorities in Lake Charles
Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department
Lake Charles, Louisiana · LA172
Housing Authority of Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana · LA004
How to Apply for Section 8 in Lake Charles
To apply for housing assistance in Lake Charles, Louisiana, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Lake Charles area (listed above). 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 $43,100/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 Lake Charles include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream, Shelter Plus Care Program (S+C), Homeownership Program, Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing Program, 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).
Lake Charles, Louisiana Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $43,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $91,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $18,100 | $30,200 | $48,300 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $46,550 | $74,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $56,900 | $91,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles and have active housing programs.