About Gardner Housing Authority

The Gardner Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA127) is situated in Gardner, Worcester County, Massachusetts. It manages approximately 108 assisted housing units, predominantly through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. As of recent activity, all waiting lists for programs administered by the Gardner Housing Authority are currently closed to new applications.

Programs overseen include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped housing, State-Aided Family housing, and Congregate Elderly Housing. All these specific programs, including both HCV and Public Housing, have recently transitioned from an open to a closed waiting list status. To provide an example of eligibility criteria, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area is $62,350 per year. Prospective applicants should monitor for any future announcements regarding list openings.

Other Programs

5 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped
Closed

Applicants or their spouse must be at least 60 years of age for senior citizen housing, with local preference for those living or working in Gardner and veterans/dependents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
State-Aided Family
Closed

The waitlist includes local preference for applicants who live or work within Gardner, and for veterans and their dependent family members.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Congregate Elderly Housing
Pending

To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be at least 60 years of age.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Public Housing Closed Mar 16, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 16, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 12, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 9, 2026
State-Aided Family Closed Mar 7, 2026
State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped Closed Mar 7, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 28, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 28, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 25, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 25, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Contact Gardner Housing Authority directly at (978) 632-6634 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 116 Church St
City Gardner, MA 01440
PHA Code MA127
Section 8 Units 108

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Gardner Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 4 waiting lists at Gardner Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Gardner Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $62,350/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Gardner Housing Authority directly at (978) 632-6634 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Gardner Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Gardner Housing Authority manages approximately 108 assisted housing units (108 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Gardner. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Gardner Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Gardner Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Gardner. This program serves approximately 108 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Gardner Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped closed

The State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped program at Gardner Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Gardner. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

State-Aided Family closed

The State-Aided Family program at Gardner Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Gardner. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Congregate Elderly Housing closed

The Congregate Elderly Housing program at Gardner Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Gardner. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Gardner Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Gardner Housing Authority administers 5 programs (HCV, Public Housing, State-Aided Elderly/Handicapped, State-Aided Family, Congregate Elderly Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 116 Church St, Gardner, MA.
How long is the wait at Gardner Housing Authority?
Wait times at Gardner Housing Authority depend on demand in Gardner, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 108 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 16, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Gardner Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Gardner Housing Authority, including Winchendon Housing Authority (8 mi), Fitchburg Housing Authority (11 mi), Athol Housing Authority (12 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact Gardner Housing Authority?
You can reach Gardner Housing Authority by phone at (978) 632-6634. Their office is located at 116 Church St, Gardner, MA 01440. You can also email them at sandym@gardnerha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Gardner Housing Authority?
Income limits for Gardner Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $122,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $62,350. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Gardner Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Gardner Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $62,350. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $26,200 $43,650 $69,850
2 Persons $29,950 $49,900 $79,800
3 Persons $33,700 $56,150 $89,800
4 Persons $37,400 $62,350 $99,750
5 Persons $40,400 $67,350 $107,750
6 Persons $43,400 $72,350 $115,750
7 Persons $48,650 $77,350 $123,700
8 Persons $54,150 $82,350 $131,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $122,200 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.