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About Gloucester Housing Authority

Gloucester Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA025) is the public housing agency serving Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts. It administers 89 public housing units and 638 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 9 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Public Housing, Senior, HCV, MRVP, PBV, SRO. As of Mar 16, 2026, 4 are open and 4 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 1 further list.

Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $70,650 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.

Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 30 status changes at this agency, most recently on Oct 6, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.

Other Programs Waitlist

State-Aided Family Housing

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Applications for State-Aided Public Housing are processed through the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP). Preferences are granted to qualified veterans, minorities, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Preferences are granted to qualified veterans, minorities, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

Senior Housing Waitlist

State-Aided Elderly Housing

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Applications for State-Aided Public Housing are processed through the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP). Preferences are granted to qualified veterans, minorities, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester. Waiting lists for elderly/handicapped housing programs are often shorter.

State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing

Status

open

How to Apply

Mail or In-person

Additional Notes

Preferences are granted to qualified veterans, minorities, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

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

Applications are available through the MassNAHRO Section 8 Centralized Waiting List. Preferences are available to qualified displaced households, victims of domestic violence and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
Closed

Preferences are available to qualified displaced/homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Section 8 (HCV) waitlist, which includes project-based units at Pond View Village, is currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Closed

Preferences are available to qualified displaced/homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other Programs
Pending

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) has long-term contracts for project-based assistance, offering SRO, one, and two-bedroom units. Preferences include displaced/homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, and Gloucester residency/work.

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

Status History

Public Housing Opened 1 hours ago
Public Housing Closed 2 days ago
Public Housing Opened 6 days ago
MRVP Closed May 20, 2026
PBV Closed May 20, 2026
Public Housing Closed May 13, 2026
Public Housing Opened Apr 2, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 31, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 25, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 19, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 17, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 15, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 13, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 12, 2026
SRO Closed Mar 11, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 11, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 5, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 4, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 28, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 27, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Gloucester Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 259 Washington St
City Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone
(978) ███-████
Email
████████@ghama.com
PHA Code MA025
Section 8 Units 638
Public Housing Units 89

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 Gloucester Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Gloucester Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Gloucester 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 $70,650/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

Apply directly through the official Gloucester Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Gloucester Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Gloucester Housing Authority manages approximately 727 assisted housing units (638 Section 8, 89 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Gloucester. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Gloucester Housing Authority

Other Other Programs open

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

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Gloucester Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Gloucester Housing Authority manages approximately 89 Public Housing units in Gloucester. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Senior Senior Housing open

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

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Gloucester 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 Gloucester. This program serves approximately 638 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) closed

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Gloucester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Gloucester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Gloucester Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Gloucester. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

SRO Single Room Occupancy (SRO) closed

The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program at Gloucester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Gloucester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Gloucester Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Gloucester Housing Authority administers 7 programs (Other Programs, Public Housing, Senior Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Single Room Occupancy (SRO)) — 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's official portal or in person at their office at 259 Washington St, Gloucester, MA.
How long is the wait at Gloucester Housing Authority?
Wait times at Gloucester Housing Authority depend on demand in Gloucester, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 727 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on October 6, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Gloucester 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 Gloucester Housing Authority, including Rockport Housing Authority (3 mi), Ipswich Housing Authority (9 mi), Beverly 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 Gloucester Housing Authority?
Gloucester Housing Authority's direct phone number and email address are listed in the contact panel on this page. Their office is located at 259 Washington St, Gloucester, MA 01930. Unlock the contact details to see them. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Gloucester Housing Authority?
Income limits for Gloucester Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $141,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $70,650. 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.

Gloucester Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Gloucester Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,650. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $141,300 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.