Rhode Island Housing
Providence, Rhode Island
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Rhode Island Housing
Rhode Island Housing (HUD agency code RI901) is the public housing agency serving Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. It administers 2,010 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 5 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD. As of Aug 17, 2026, 4 are open and 1 is closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $57,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $91,450 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 3 status changes at this agency, most recently on Apr 5, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
To apply for Section 8, select Providence to be added to the Providence Housing Authority (PHA) waitlist. For Project Based Voucher (PBV) list updates, email waitlist@provhousing.org.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Mainstream Voucher program is designed to help persons with disabilities live independently in the community. Applicants must meet Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program eligibility requirements and be a family that includes at least one person with a disability between the ages of 18-61.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Families who apply to the PHA for the PBV program are placed on the PHA’s PBV wait list. For Project Based Voucher (PBV) list updates, email waitlist@provhousing.org.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 1, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting applications 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). Income limits apply based on HUD's median family income, and screening includes landlord references, court, and police records.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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 Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Rhode Island Housing portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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 Rhode Island Housing
Check Current Status
Rhode Island Housing currently has 4 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Rhode Island Housing, 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 Rhode Island Housing portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Rhode Island Housing, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Rhode Island Housing manages approximately 2,010 assisted housing units (2,010 Section 8), 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 Rhode Island Housing
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Rhode Island Housing 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 2,010 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 Rhode Island Housing 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 (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Rhode Island Housing 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.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Rhode Island Housing 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Rhode Island Housing 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Rhode Island Housing free?
How long is the wait at Rhode Island Housing?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Rhode Island Housing?
What are the income limits for Rhode Island Housing?
Rhode Island Housing Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Rhode Island Housing 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 Rhode Island Housing — including across state lines.