About Gloucester Housing Authority

Gloucester Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA025) is situated in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts. This authority manages approximately 727 assisted housing units in total. This includes about 638 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 89 Public Housing units for residents.

Currently, the Gloucester Housing Authority is accepting applications for several programs. These include the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing. Interested individuals and families should inquire about the specific eligibility requirements for each program.

Applicants must meet established income limits to qualify for assistance. For example, a very low-income family of four in the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area must have an annual household income at or below $70,650. Income limits may vary based on family size and specific program guidelines.

MRVP Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

MRVP mobile and project-based waiting lists are currently open through CHAMP. Preferences are available to qualified displaced/homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester. The income limit for eligibility is 80% of the Area Median Income.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

The Gloucester Housing Authority administers eight project-based units at Pond View Village as part of the Section 8 program; an application link is available on their Rental Assistance page.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This refers to State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing, for which applications are made 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.

State-Aided Elderly Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

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 Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online or Mail

Apply Now — Official Portal

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.

State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Mail or In-person

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

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

Other Programs

4 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.
Official Portal
SRO
Closed

The GHA administers SRO units at the Cape Ann YMCA and 95 Prospect Street. 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.
Official Portal
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

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

The Section 8 Mod Rehab SRO Program administers 52 single-room occupancy units. Preferences are available to qualified displaced/homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, and persons who currently work or reside in Gloucester.

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

Status History

Public Housing Opened 5 days ago
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
Public Housing Closed Feb 26, 2026
SRO Opened Feb 22, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
SRO unknown Feb 21, 2026
HCV unknown Feb 21, 2026

Official Application

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

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 259 Washington St
City Gloucester, MA 01930
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 6 open waiting lists (MRVP, PBV, Public Housing, State-Aided Elderly Housing, State-Aided Family Housing, State-Aided Family and Elderly 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 anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

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

MRVP open

The 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 open

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.

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.

State-Aided Elderly Housing open

The State-Aided Elderly 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.

State-Aided Family Housing open

The State-Aided Family 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.

State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing open

The State-Aided Family and Elderly 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 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) 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.

SRO closed

The 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.

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.

Other closed

The Other 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 10 programs (MRVP, PBV, Public Housing, State-Aided Elderly Housing, State-Aided Family Housing, State-Aided Family and Elderly Housing, HCV, SRO, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other) — 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 April 2, 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?
You can reach Gloucester Housing Authority by phone at (978) 281-4770. Their office is located at 259 Washington St, Gloucester, MA 01930. You can also email them at jhapgood@ghama.com. 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.