Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Last Updated
18 hours ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
The Housing Authority of the City of Columbia (PHA Code: SC002) provides assisted housing in Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina. This authority manages approximately 5,951 assisted housing units, comprising 4,674 Section 8 vouchers and 1,277 Public Housing units.
Currently, various programs are accepting applications. These include Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Apartments (Oak Park), Foster Youth to Independence, Foster Youth to Independence Program, Mainstream, Other, PBV, and Public Housing. Additionally, several Senior Housing options are open, such as Arrington Manor, Fair Street, Haven at Palmer Pointe, Oak Park, and Oak Read High Rise. For a family of four in the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area, the very low-income limit is $46,350 per year. Applicants should verify current program availability and eligibility requirements.
Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
Application period extended until March 20, 2026.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgApartments (Oak Park) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 27, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 27, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for Oak Park apartments from 8:00 am, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. 2 and 3 bedroom units are available. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected via lottery for placement on the wait list.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgFoster Youth to Independence Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Prescreening applicants for the Foster Youth to Independence Program. Available to young adults between 18-24 who have left or will be leaving Foster Care within 90 days. Qualified applicants will be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgFoster Youth to Independence Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Columbia Housing is prescreening applicants for this program. It is available to young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will leave Foster Care within 90 days and are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is for young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will leave foster care within 90 days, and are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Prescreening is required.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Prescreening applicants for the Foster Youth to Independence Program, available to young adults aged 18-24 who have left or will be leaving Foster Care within 90 days. Qualified applicants will be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgOther Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Pre-applications accepted for Oak Read High Rise and Arrington Manor. Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age. Selection using a computer-generated lottery system.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgProject-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 27, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 27, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for Oak Park apartments (2 and 3 bedroom units). Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected via lottery for placement on the wait list. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for 3 bedroom public housing units. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system. Completing a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the waitlist.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgSenior Housing (Arrington Manor) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications until further notice. Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgSenior Housing (Fair Street) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 26, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 26, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for senior housing units at Fair Street. Applicants must be 62 or older. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgSenior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 27, 2026
Closing Date
Mar 5, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting online applications for senior units. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years of age and meet criteria for a 1 bedroom unit. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected for the wait list using a random lottery.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgSenior Housing (Oak Park) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 27, 2026
Closing Date
Jan 27, 2026
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications for Oak Park apartments from 8:00 am, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. 2 and 3 bedroom units are available. Up to 250 qualified applicants will be selected via lottery for placement on the wait list.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgSenior Housing (Oak Read High Rise) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 15, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Accepting pre-applications until further notice. Qualified applicants must be at least 62 years of age or older. Applicants are selected using a computer-generated lottery system.
View original notice — columbiahousingsc.orgOther Programs
4 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.
Wait list to open for 2 bedroom units at Schoolhouse Rd. Apartments.
Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list will ONLY be open for Public Housing tenants residing in properties converting to RAD. Applications will be accepted only at the time of HUD approval of relocation for the applicable RAD property. Public Housing tenants will be notified when they are eligible for this waiting list. The Housing Choice Voucher Program wait list will be open solely for current residents of the Latimer Manor Public Housing community on August 15, 2025 at 8:00 am and will close on August 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list will ONLY be open for Public Housing tenants residing in properties converting to RAD. Applications will be accepted only at the time of HUD approval of relocation for the applicable RAD property. Public Housing tenants will be notified when they are eligible for this waiting list.
This waitlist was open for 1-bedroom units for applicants 62 or older and used a random lottery system for selection.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Deadline: Aug 31, 2025
Deadline: Jan 26, 2027
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Columbia 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 of the City of Columbia
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia currently has 14 open waiting lists (Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Apartments (Oak Park), Foster Youth to Independence, Foster Youth to Independence Program, Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI), Mainstream, Other, PBV, Public Housing, Senior Housing (Arrington Manor), Senior Housing (Fair Street), Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe), Senior Housing (Oak Park), Senior Housing (Oak Read High Rise)). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, 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 $46,350/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 of the City of Columbia 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 of the City of Columbia, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Columbia manages approximately 5,951 assisted housing units (4,674 Section 8, 1,277 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Columbia. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe) open
The Apartments (Haven at Palmer Pointe) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on March 20, 2026.
Apartments (Oak Park) open
The Apartments (Oak Park) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on January 27, 2026.
Foster Youth to Independence open
The Foster Youth to Independence program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Foster Youth to Independence Program open
The Foster Youth to Independence Program program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI) open
The Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia 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.
Other open
The Other program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Columbia. 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. The application window closes on January 27, 2026.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of the City of Columbia manages approximately 1,277 Public Housing units in Columbia. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties. The application window closes on January 26, 2027.
Senior Housing (Arrington Manor) open
The Senior Housing (Arrington Manor) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Housing (Fair Street) open
The Senior Housing (Fair Street) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on January 26, 2027.
Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe) open
The Senior Housing (Haven at Palmer Pointe) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on March 5, 2026.
Senior Housing (Oak Park) open
The Senior Housing (Oak Park) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on January 27, 2026.
Senior Housing (Oak Read High Rise) open
The Senior Housing (Oak Read High Rise) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Apartments (Schoolhouse Road) closed
The Apartments (Schoolhouse Road) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia 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 Columbia. This program serves approximately 4,674 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Columbia maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Senior Housing (Christopher Towers) closed
The Senior Housing (Christopher Towers) program at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Columbia. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Columbia?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Columbia?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Columbia?
Housing Authority of the City of Columbia Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,350. 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 | $19,500 | $32,450 | $51,950 |
| 2 Persons | $22,250 | $37,100 | $59,350 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,750 | $66,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,100 | $80,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,800 | $86,050 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $57,500 | $91,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $61,200 | $97,900 |
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 of the City of Columbia — including across state lines.