Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Gloucester, Massachusetts
There are 6 open waiting lists in the Gloucester area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Gloucester, Massachusetts 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 Gloucester, 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 Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Gloucester area. There are also 331 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Gloucester include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Gloucester Housing Authority opened its State-Aided Elderly Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester, Massachusetts offers various affordable housing options primarily managed by the Gloucester Housing Authority. There are approximately 727 assisted housing units available in the area. Eligibility for these programs often depends on household income. For instance, a family of four is considered very low income if their annual earnings are $70,650 or less, based on FY2025 limits for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area.
Currently, the Gloucester Housing Authority has 4 waiting lists open for new applications. These open lists serve programs such as the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing. Other programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Single Room Occupancy (SRO), and other specific offerings, currently have closed waiting lists. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state-aided housing programs.
Individuals seeking housing assistance in Gloucester should directly contact the Gloucester Housing Authority to inquire about application procedures, specific eligibility criteria, and the current status of all waiting lists. It is advisable to gather all necessary documentation before applying and to regularly check for updates, as list statuses can change.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Gloucester
To apply for housing assistance in Gloucester, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Gloucester Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short 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 $70,650/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 Gloucester include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing, State-Aided Family Housing, State-Aided Elderly Housing, MRVP, SRO, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). 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).
Gloucester, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Gloucester, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $70,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $141,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $29,700 | $49,500 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,950 | $56,550 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $38,200 | $63,600 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,400 | $70,650 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,800 | $76,350 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $49,200 | $82,000 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,600 | $87,650 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $56,000 | $93,300 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Gloucester 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 Gloucester and have active housing programs.