Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 28 housing authorities managing a combined 104 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 64 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 62%. This data was last verified on Jun 7, 2026.
Rhode Island offers various affordable housing assistance programs through its 28 housing authorities, which collectively manage 90 waiting lists. Currently, 52 of these lists are open, representing a 58% open rate, while 29 lists are closed. Rhode Island Housing, the state housing agency, administers a statewide voucher program. Given the state's size, applicants are advised to consider applying to all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) for broader opportunities. Providence Housing Authority serves as the largest city-level PHA in the state.
Housing assistance programs available in Rhode Island include Public Housing, with 17 open lists out of 28, and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has 14 open lists from a total of 28. Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) offer 6 open lists out of 8, and Mainstream programs have 2 open lists from 5. Other programs with currently open lists include various Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) initiatives, such as Multi-Family Housing (LIHTC), along with Shoreside Apartments, Supportive Elderly Housing, a general Tax Credit program, and Homeownership programs. Programs such as RAD, VASH, Shelter Star, and Elderly and Disabled Housing currently have no open lists.
Geographically, Providence has 3 housing authorities with 9 open lists, making it a key area for applicants. Other cities with notable openings include Warwick (2 HAs, 2 open lists), Coventry (1 HA, 5 open lists), Cumberland (1 HA, 1 open list), and East Greenwich (1 HA, 3 open lists). It is important to note that waitlist statuses can change. For example, the South Kingstown Housing Authority in Peace Dale recently changed its HCV list from open to opening_soon, and subsequently to closed. Similarly, the Lincoln Housing Authority in Lincoln also recently changed its HCV list from open to closed, illustrating the dynamic nature of these opportunities.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Rhode Island include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (16 open), Public Housing (17 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (7 open), RAD, Mainstream (3 open), 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 Rhode Island right now are Pawtucket (10), Coventry (10), Providence (9), Newport (5), and Warwick (3) . 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: Kent County Mental Health Center — HCV
Eligibility Requirements for Rhode Island
To qualify for assistance in Rhode Island, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Rhode Island Housing.
- 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 Rhode Island legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Rhode Island Housing to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.