Williamstown, MA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Williamstown, Massachusetts

There are 3 open waiting lists in the Williamstown area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Williamstown, 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 Williamstown, 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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Affordable Housing in Williamstown, Massachusetts

Williamstown, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Williamstown area. There are also 164 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Williamstown include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Williamstown Housing Authority opened its Family Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Williamstown, Massachusetts

Williamstown, Massachusetts provides affordable housing opportunities primarily through the Williamstown Housing Authority. This local agency partners with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to manage various housing assistance programs for its residents. There are approximately 100 assisted housing units available across the Williamstown area.

Currently, the Williamstown Housing Authority maintains three open waiting lists for applicants. These include assistance for Family Housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, and Public Housing. While other programs, such as Elderly/Handicapped Housing (Chapter 667) and the Mass. Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), currently have closed waiting lists, prospective applicants should still monitor for future openings. Eligibility for these programs is determined by income; for a family of four in Berkshire County, the Very Low Income limit for FY2025 is $59,800 annually. To apply or learn more about specific program requirements, application procedures, and the most current waitlist status, it is advised to contact the Williamstown Housing Authority directly.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Williamstown

To apply for housing assistance in Williamstown, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Williamstown Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 Williamstown include Family Housing, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Special Needs, Other, Special Needs Housing, Special Need Housing (Chapter 689), Special Need Housing, MRVP, Family Housing (Chapter 705), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), MRVP (Mass. Rental Voucher Program), Elderly/Handicapped Housing (Chapter 667), Mass. Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Special Need, other. 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).

Williamstown, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Williamstown, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Berkshire County, MA (part) HUD Metro FMR Area 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 $108,500.

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: $108,500 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Williamstown 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 Williamstown?
Yes — there are currently 3 open waiting lists in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Williamstown 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 Williamstown?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Williamstown 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