About Barnstable Housing Authority

The Barnstable Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA046) provides assisted housing services in Hyannis, Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It manages approximately 617 assisted housing units, which include 549 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 68 Public Housing units.

Currently, the Barnstable Housing Authority is accepting applications for various housing programs. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and the VASH program. Additionally, applications are open for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), DIAL, RAP, and Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689).

Applicants should note the income limits for eligibility. For a family of four considered Very Low Income in the Barnstable Town, MA MSA area, the income limit is $68,350 per year. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for programs that match their needs and eligibility criteria.

AHVP Waitlist

Status

open

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Alternative Housing Voucher Program subsidies for disabled individuals.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

DIAL Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Disabled Independent Adult Living Program vouchers.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Includes HUD Section 8 rental assistance vouchers, Section 8 Mobility Vouchers, and Section 8 Vouchers under the Fair Share Program.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Other (Alternative Housing Voucher Program) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

This voucher program provides subsidies for disabled individuals. The waiting list is currently open.

Other (DIAL) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Disabled Independent Adult Living Program (DIAL) offers vouchers. The waiting list is currently open.

Other (RAP) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Rental Acquisition Program (RAP) waitlist is open, with applications available at BHA and on their website's documents page. Families must pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent and utilities, and income limits apply, typically between 50-65% or 80% of AMI.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Includes Alternative Housing Voucher Program subsidies (for disabled individuals) and Disabled Independent Adult Living Program vouchers (DIAL).

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Includes state-aided Chapter 667 elderly/handicapped, state-aided congregate housing for frail, elderly and disabled, state-aided Chapter 689 special needs, state-aided Chapter 705 family, Federal 46-3 elderly/handicapped housing, and units for families with disabilities through the Cape Ministries program.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

RAP Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Rental Acquisition Program units. Income qualifications and application are available on the Documents page.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Housing for the physically and mentally disabled. Administered jointly with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

VASH vouchers for Veterans.

View original notice — barnstablehousing.org

Other Programs

2 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.

MRVP
Closed

Massachusetts Rental Vouchers. The website states 'All waiting lists except MRVP are open!!!', indicating MRVP is closed.

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

The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) waiting list is currently closed.

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

Status History

HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Barnstable 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 500 Old Colony Rd
City Hyannis, MA 02601
PHA Code MA046
Section 8 Units 549
Public Housing Units 68

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 Barnstable Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Barnstable Housing Authority currently has 11 open waiting lists (AHVP, DIAL, HCV, Other (Alternative Housing Voucher Program), Other (DIAL), Other (RAP), PBV, Public Housing, RAP, Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689), VASH). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Barnstable 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 $68,350/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

Apply directly through the official Barnstable 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 Barnstable Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Barnstable Housing Authority manages approximately 617 assisted housing units (549 Section 8, 68 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Hyannis. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Barnstable Housing Authority

AHVP open

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

DIAL open

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

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Barnstable 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 Hyannis. This program serves approximately 549 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Other (Alternative Housing Voucher Program) open

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

Other (DIAL) open

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

Other (RAP) open

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

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Barnstable Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Hyannis. 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 Barnstable Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Barnstable Housing Authority manages approximately 68 Public Housing units in Hyannis. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAP open

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

Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689) open

The Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689) program at Barnstable Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Hyannis. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing open

The HUD-VASH program at Barnstable Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Hyannis. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

MRVP closed

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

Other (MRVP) closed

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Barnstable Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Barnstable Housing Authority administers 13 programs (AHVP, DIAL, HCV, Other (Alternative Housing Voucher Program), Other (DIAL), Other (RAP), PBV, Public Housing, RAP, Special Needs Housing (Chapter 689), VASH, MRVP, Other (MRVP)) — 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 500 Old Colony Rd, Hyannis, MA.
How long is the wait at Barnstable Housing Authority?
Wait times at Barnstable Housing Authority depend on demand in Hyannis, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 617 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 18, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Barnstable 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 Barnstable Housing Authority, including Yarmouth Housing Authority (4 mi), Dennis Housing Authority (7 mi), Sandwich Housing Authority (11 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 Barnstable Housing Authority?
You can reach Barnstable Housing Authority by phone at (508) 771-7222. Their office is located at 500 Old Colony Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601. You can also email them at lorri_finton@bha.barnstable.ma.us. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Barnstable Housing Authority?
Income limits for Barnstable Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Barnstable Town, MA MSA (currently $124,100). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $68,350. 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.

Barnstable Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Barnstable Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Barnstable Town, MA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $68,350. 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 $28,700 $47,850 $74,800
2 Persons $32,800 $54,700 $85,450
3 Persons $36,900 $61,550 $96,150
4 Persons $41,000 $68,350 $106,800
5 Persons $44,300 $73,850 $115,350
6 Persons $47,600 $79,300 $123,900
7 Persons $50,850 $84,800 $132,450
8 Persons $54,150 $90,250 $141,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $124,100 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.