Housing Authority Providence
Providence, Rhode Island
Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Housing Authority Providence
The Housing Authority Providence (PHA Code: RI001), located in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, manages approximately 5,281 assisted housing units. This includes 2,675 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 2,606 Public Housing units, serving low-income residents in its area.
Currently, Housing Authority Providence is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, and Public Housing programs. These programs aim to provide affordable housing options to eligible individuals and families.
For a family of four in the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit is set at $57,150 per year. Prospective applicants should confirm specific eligibility requirements directly with the authority.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 6, 2019
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist remains open through the state-wide centralized portal. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants must meet HCV program eligibility, be a family with a disabled person (18-61), and verify transitioning out of an institutional setting, risk of institutionalization, or homelessness.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
Closing Date
Jun 30, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlists are open for studio apartments (single person households ages 18+ with disability and ages 50 and older), one-bedroom apartments (elderly and/or disabled), and two to seven-bedroom apartments (family units). The 1-bedroom family waitlist with EHV preference is open until June 30, 2026.
Other Programs
6 programsThese 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 Project-Based Rental Assistance waitlist closed on October 1, 2020, and remains closed until further notice.
This program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance and has no active waitlist information currently available through the Providence Housing Authority.
This program assists homeless individuals with HUD-qualifying disabilities and has no active waitlist openings at this time through the Providence Housing Authority.
No active waitlist information currently available. This program assists homeless individuals with HUD-qualifying disabilities, with slots reserved for Veterans.
No active waitlist information currently available for the Shelter Star Program, which assists homeless individuals with HUD-qualifying disabilities, with slots reserved for Veterans.
The Shelter Star Program (formerly Shelter Plus Care and Veterans) assists individuals who are homeless and have a HUD-qualifying disability. It targets clients with substance use disorder and has slots reserved for Veterans. For more information, contact Providence Housing at 585-529-9555.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority Providence 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 Housing Authority Providence
Check Current Status
Housing Authority Providence currently has 3 open waiting lists (HCV, Mainstream, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority Providence, 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 $57,150/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 Housing Authority Providence 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 Housing Authority Providence, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority Providence manages approximately 5,281 assisted housing units (2,675 Section 8, 2,606 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Providence. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority Providence
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority Providence 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 Providence. This program serves approximately 2,675 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 Housing Authority Providence 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.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Housing Authority Providence are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority Providence manages approximately 2,606 Public Housing units in Providence. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties. The application window closes on June 30, 2026.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority Providence are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Providence. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority Providence converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Providence maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Shelter Star Program closed
The Shelter Star Program program at Housing Authority Providence provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Providence. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Shelter Star Program) closed
The Other (Shelter Star Program) program at Housing Authority Providence provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Providence. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Shelter Star closed
The Shelter Star program at Housing Authority Providence provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Providence. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed
The HUD-VASH program at Housing Authority Providence combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Providence. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority Providence free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority Providence?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority Providence?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority Providence?
Housing Authority Providence Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority Providence are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $57,150. 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 | $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 |
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 Housing Authority Providence — including across state lines.