Holyoke, MA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Holyoke, Massachusetts

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Holyoke area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Holyoke, 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 Holyoke, 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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Open Now
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Affordable Housing in Holyoke, Massachusetts

Holyoke, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Holyoke area. There are also 128 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Holyoke Housing Authority opened its Other waitlist .

About Housing in Holyoke, Massachusetts

Affordable housing assistance in Holyoke, Massachusetts is primarily managed by the Holyoke Housing Authority. Currently, the Holyoke Housing Authority has 2 waiting lists open for housing programs, with 3 lists presently closed.

The range of programs available through the Holyoke Housing Authority includes Churchill Homes, Congregate House, Public Housing, HCV, and various MRVP/AHVP State Voucher Programs. While many lists are currently closed, applicants should check for specific programs like "Other" and "Other Voucher," which currently have open waiting lists. Holyoke has approximately 2,650 assisted housing units in total. To give an idea of income eligibility, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Springfield, MA MSA area for FY2025 is $59,800 per year.

Individuals seeking assistance should regularly check the status of waiting lists for programs that suit their needs. Eligibility for these programs is determined by factors like income and household size. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the state housing agency overseeing these efforts.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Holyoke

To apply for housing assistance in Holyoke, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Holyoke Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $59,800/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 Holyoke include Other Voucher, Other, other, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), MRVP/AHVP State Voucher Programs, MRVP-AHVP, Churchill Homes, Congregate House, MRVP/AHVP, Congregate Housing. 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).

Holyoke, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Holyoke, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Springfield, MA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $96,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $25,150 $41,850 $67,000
2 Persons $28,750 $47,800 $76,550
3 Persons $32,350 $53,850 $86,100
4 Persons $35,900 $59,800 $95,650
5 Persons $38,800 $64,600 $103,350
6 Persons $43,150 $69,400 $111,000
7 Persons $48,650 $74,150 $118,650
8 Persons $54,150 $78,950 $126,300
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $96,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Holyoke 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 Holyoke?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Holyoke 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 Holyoke?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Holyoke 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 Massachusetts