Grand Forks Housing Authority

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Grand Forks Housing Authority

The Grand Forks Housing Authority (PHA Code: ND012) serves Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota. This authority manages approximately 1,504 assisted housing units, primarily through 1,504 Housing Choice Vouchers.

GFHA currently offers several housing assistance programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs are all open to new applicants.

Eligibility for these programs includes income limits based on family size. For example, a family of four is considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $52,200 in the Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA area. Applicants should verify all specific requirements and current availability directly with the authority.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Applications are currently being accepted. The website warns of online scams and states that there are no fees associated with applying for or being placed on the HCV waitlist. Official communication will come directly from GFHA. The Housing Authority is authorized to issue 1,309 vouchers per month, including 20 for FUP and 25 for VASH.

View original notice — thegfha.org

Mainstream Voucher Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Mainstream Vouchers can be used in the same way as a housing choice voucher and the wait is significantly shorter. Applicants should indicate they are disabled on their application. Contact GFHA for more information on special voucher programs.

View original notice — thegfha.org

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The website mentions 'Managed Properties/Programs Currently Selecting Quickly' which includes several properties that are likely PBV units. Applications are accepted online, via email, or in person.

View original notice — thegfha.org

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The GFHA manages apartment communities in 6 locations throughout Nelson County. To be eligible, households must earn less than 80% of the area median income. Applications are currently being accepted.

View original notice — thegfha.org

Status History

Public Housing Opened Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 21, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Grand Forks 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 1405 1st Ave N
City Grand Forks, ND 58203
PHA Code ND012
Section 8 Units 1,504

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 Grand Forks Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Grand Forks Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Grand Forks 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 $52,200/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Grand Forks Housing Authority manages approximately 1,504 assisted housing units (1,504 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Grand Forks. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Grand Forks Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks. This program serves approximately 1,504 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open

Mainstream Vouchers at Grand Forks Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Grand Forks Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Grand Forks Housing Authority administers 4 programs (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing) — 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 1405 1st Ave N, Grand Forks, ND.
How long is the wait at Grand Forks Housing Authority?
Wait times at Grand Forks Housing Authority depend on demand in Grand Forks, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,504 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 22, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "unknown" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks Housing Authority, including Nelson County Housing Authority, Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (22 mi), Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Warren (23 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in North Dakota and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in North Dakota.
How do I contact Grand Forks Housing Authority?
You can reach Grand Forks Housing Authority by phone at (701) 746-2545. Their office is located at 1405 1st Ave N, Grand Forks, ND 58203. You can also email them at thanson@thegfha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Grand Forks Housing Authority?
Income limits for Grand Forks Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA (currently $102,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $52,200. 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.

Grand Forks Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Grand Forks Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $52,200. 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 $21,950 $36,550 $58,450
2 Persons $25,050 $41,800 $66,800
3 Persons $28,200 $47,000 $75,150
4 Persons $32,150 $52,200 $83,500
5 Persons $37,650 $56,400 $90,200
6 Persons $43,150 $60,600 $96,900
7 Persons $48,650 $64,750 $103,550
8 Persons $54,150 $68,950 $110,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $102,800 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.