Opelousas, LA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Opelousas, Louisiana

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

Opelousas, Louisiana is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Opelousas are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 42 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Opelousas right now, there are 42 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 Opelousas, Louisiana

Seeking affordable housing in Opelousas, Louisiana? The primary provider of housing assistance in this area is the Housing Authority of City of Opelousas. Currently, the Public Housing program administered by this authority has an open waiting list, offering potential opportunities for eligible applicants. However, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which also serves residents in Opelousas, currently has a closed waiting list. There are approximately 682 assisted housing units available across the area.

Understanding income requirements is crucial for eligibility. For instance, a family of four in St. Landry Parish would need to earn $32,400 per year or less to qualify as Very Low Income, based on FY2025 standards. It's important to note that income limits vary depending on family size and the specific program. For precise details on eligibility, how to apply, and current waiting list status, it is recommended to contact the Housing Authority of City of Opelousas directly. Additional resources and information about housing in Louisiana can also be found through the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), the state's housing agency.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Opelousas

To apply for housing assistance in Opelousas, Louisiana, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of City of Opelousas, 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 $32,400/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 Opelousas 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).

Opelousas, Louisiana Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Opelousas, Louisiana, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the St. Landry Parish, LA area. A family of four must earn less than $32,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $62,800.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $15,650 $22,700 $36,300
2 Persons $21,150 $25,950 $41,500
3 Persons $26,650 $29,200 $46,700
4 Persons $32,150 $32,400 $51,850
5 Persons $35,000 $35,000 $56,000
6 Persons $37,600 $37,600 $60,150
7 Persons $40,200 $40,200 $64,300
8 Persons $42,800 $42,800 $68,450
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $62,800 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Opelousas 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 Opelousas?
Currently, all waiting lists in Opelousas, Louisiana 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 Opelousas 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 Opelousas?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Opelousas 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 Louisiana