Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Grand Rapids Housing Commission
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission (PHA Code: MI073), located in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, manages approximately 3,998 assisted housing units. This portfolio includes 3,808 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 190 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Commission is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is closed. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI HUD Metro FMR Area is $53,200 per year. Applicants should verify current program availability and specific eligibility criteria directly with the housing commission.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Project-Based Voucher program provides a rental subsidy tied to specific developments or units. Eligibility includes families, seniors, and people with disabilities, with maximum annual income at 30% of the Area Median Income. Preferences include Veterans and Kent County residents.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The online housing application offers placement on the waiting list of all available GRHC-owned developments. Waiting lists for Campau Commons Apartments, Creston Plaza Apartments, and the Scattered Sites Program are closed. All applicants must be at least 18 years old, and preferences include Veterans and Grand Rapids or Kent County residents, depending on the development.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
The GRHC's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is currently closed to new applicants. The GRHC is currently serving applicants who applied during October 2023. Current applicants can update their information online via the GRHC Applicant Portal.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Grand Rapids Housing Commission portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Check Current Status
Grand Rapids Housing Commission currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Grand Rapids Housing Commission, 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 $53,200/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Grand Rapids Housing Commission 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Grand Rapids Housing Commission, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Grand Rapids Housing Commission manages approximately 3,998 assisted housing units (3,808 Section 8, 190 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Grand Rapids. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Grand Rapids Housing Commission
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Grand Rapids Housing Commission are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids Housing Commission are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Grand Rapids Housing Commission manages approximately 190 Public Housing units in Grand Rapids. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Grand Rapids Housing Commission 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 Grand Rapids. This program serves approximately 3,808 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Grand Rapids Housing Commission free?
How long is the wait at Grand Rapids Housing Commission?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Grand Rapids Housing Commission?
What are the income limits for Grand Rapids Housing Commission?
Grand Rapids Housing Commission Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Grand Rapids Housing Commission are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $53,200. 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 | $22,350 | $37,250 | $59,600 |
| 2 Persons | $25,550 | $42,600 | $68,100 |
| 3 Persons | $28,750 | $47,900 | $76,600 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $53,200 | $85,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $57,500 | $91,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $61,750 | $98,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,000 | $105,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,250 | $112,350 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Grand Rapids Housing Commission — including across state lines.