Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Michigan
Michigan has 126 housing authorities managing a combined 417 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 181 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 43%. This data was last verified on Aug 6, 2026.
Michigan offers various affordable housing assistance options across the state. There are 126 housing authorities managing a total of 341 waiting lists for different programs. Currently, 129 lists are open, representing a 38% open rate, while 167 lists are closed. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the state's central agency for housing development and assistance. Programs available include Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), alongside many other programs designed to meet diverse housing needs.
Applicants can find opportunities across a range of assistance types. Public Housing currently has 85 open lists out of 126, while the Housing Choice Voucher program has 17 open lists from 126 available. Project-Based Vouchers offer 11 open lists from 30 programs. Beyond these, Michigan features specialized programs such as RAD, Mainstream, VASH, Multifamily Housing, and Homeownership Programs. Senior housing options are also available, including specific properties like Westgate Towers, Nisbett-Fairman Residences, Meadow Park Apartments, and Noble Pines Apartments. Cities like Lansing have 2 housing authorities with both lists currently open, and Benton Harbor also has 2 housing authorities with 1 list open. Ferndale has 2 housing authorities, while Allen Park and Ann Arbor each have 1 housing authority with an open list.
When seeking assistance, applicants should be aware that waitlist status can change frequently. For example, the Niles Housing Commission in Niles recently changed its HCV list from unknown to closed, and the Luce County Housing Commission in Newberry changed its Mainstream list to closed. Conversely, the Detroit Housing Commission in Detroit changed its Public Housing list from closed to open. It is important to note that waitlists for the Detroit Housing Commission open infrequently. Individuals seeking assistance in Detroit should consider applying to surrounding Wayne County agencies as well, as this can broaden their options for accessing available programs.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Michigan include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (28 open), Public Housing (92 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (13 open), RAD (1 open), Mainstream, VASH. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Michigan right now are Big Rapids (11), Traverse City (11), Battle Creek (10), Ann Arbor (5), and Bay City (4) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: South Haven Housing Commission — HCV
Eligibility Requirements for Michigan
To qualify for assistance in Michigan, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Michigan legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.