New Bern, NC

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in New Bern, North Carolina

There is 1 open waiting list in the New Bern area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving New Bern, North Carolina 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 New Bern, 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.

2
Agencies
1
Open Now
2
Closed

Affordable Housing in New Bern, North Carolina

New Bern, North Carolina is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the New Bern area. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in New Bern include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open).

Latest Opening

Twin Rivers Opportunities, Inc. opened its HCV waitlist on Jan 15, 2025.

About Housing in New Bern, North Carolina

New Bern, North Carolina is served by two housing authorities responsible for providing affordable housing opportunities: Twin Rivers Opportunities, Inc. and the Housing Authority of the City of New Bern. These organizations collectively manage approximately 1,223 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, there is one open waiting list for housing assistance in New Bern, with two other lists presently closed.

The open waiting list is for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program; applicants should note that there are two HCV lists in total, with one currently accepting applications. Other programs, including Public Housing, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), and other specific assistance options, currently have closed waiting lists. For example, both Public Housing lists and the single FSS list are closed at this time. To qualify for assistance, income limits apply; for a family of four in the Craven County area, the Very Low Income threshold is $44,150 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. Individuals seeking support should regularly check with the housing authorities for updates on waitlist openings. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) also provides state-level housing resources and information.

How to Apply for Section 8 in New Bern

To apply for housing assistance in New Bern, North Carolina, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the New Bern area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $44,150/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 New Bern include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, other, Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). 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).

New Bern, North Carolina Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in New Bern, North Carolina, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Craven County, NC area. A family of four must earn less than $44,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $88,300.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,550 $30,950 $49,500
2 Persons $21,200 $35,350 $56,550
3 Persons $26,650 $39,750 $63,600
4 Persons $32,150 $44,150 $70,650
5 Persons $37,650 $47,700 $76,350
6 Persons $43,150 $51,250 $82,000
7 Persons $48,650 $54,750 $87,650
8 Persons $54,150 $58,300 $93,300
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $88,300 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in New Bern 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 New Bern?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in New Bern, North Carolina. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in New Bern 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 New Bern?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. New Bern 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 North Carolina