Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Providence, Rhode Island
There are 8 open waiting lists in the Providence area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Providence, Rhode Island 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 Providence, 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.
Affordable Housing in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Providence area. There are also 360 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Providence include Public Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (3 open), Mainstream (2 open), HCV (2 open), PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Gateway Healthcare, Inc. opened its Public Housing waitlist on Feb 19, 2026.
About Housing in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island offers various affordable housing options for residents seeking assistance. The city is served by three primary housing authorities: Housing Authority Providence, Gateway Healthcare, Inc., and Rhode Island Housing, which also functions as the state housing agency. In total, there are approximately 7,366 assisted housing units available in the area. Currently, there are 9 waiting lists open for applications, while 4 are closed, indicating varying opportunities to apply.
Prospective applicants should be aware of the specific programs available through these providers. Programs with open waiting lists include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Programs such as RAD, Shelter Star, Shelter Star Program, and VASH currently have closed waiting lists. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is set at $57,150 per year. It is important for all applicants to review the specific eligibility requirements for each program and housing authority when considering applying.
Housing Authorities in Providence
Gateway Healthcare, Inc.
Providence, Rhode Island · RI029
Housing Authority Providence
Providence, Rhode Island · RI001
Rhode Island Housing
Providence, Rhode Island · RI901
How to Apply for Section 8 in Providence
To apply for housing assistance in Providence, Rhode Island, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Providence area (listed above). Right now, 8 waiting lists are 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 $57,150/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 Providence include Public Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Shelter Star Program, RAD, Shelter Star, Other (Shelter Star Program), VASH. 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).
Providence, Rhode Island Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Providence, Rhode Island, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,050 | $40,050 | $64,050 |
| 2 Persons | $27,450 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 3 Persons | $30,900 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 4 Persons | $34,300 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,750 | $98,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,300 | $106,100 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,900 | $113,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,450 | $120,750 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Providence 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Providence and have active housing programs.