Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Erwin Housing Authority
Erwin Housing Authority (PHA Code: TN081) is located in Erwin, Unicoi County, Tennessee. This agency manages approximately 73 assisted housing units, providing affordable housing options within the Johnson City, TN MSA area.
Currently, the waitlist for the Public Housing program is open and accepting new applications. Interested individuals should contact Erwin Housing Authority directly for current application procedures. The waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is currently closed; its status recently changed from unknown to closed.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For example, a family of four is considered Very Low Income with an annual household income of $42,400 or less in this service area. Income limits vary by family size and program.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting list is based on the date and time the application is received; there are no preferences at this time, and waiting times average 12-18 months.
Other 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.
As of March 12, 2026, there are no current Section 8 waiting lists for Erwin, TN; the Section 8 program for Unicoi County is administered by Kingsport Housing Authority.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
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
Contact Erwin Housing Authority directly at (423) 743-5231 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
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 Erwin Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Erwin Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Erwin Housing Authority, 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 $42,400/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
Contact Erwin Housing Authority directly at (423) 743-5231 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Erwin Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Erwin Housing Authority manages approximately 73 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Erwin. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Erwin Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Erwin Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Erwin Housing Authority manages approximately 73 Public Housing units in Erwin. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Erwin Housing Authority 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 Erwin. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Erwin Housing Authority 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 closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Erwin Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Erwin. 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 Erwin Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Erwin maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Erwin Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Erwin Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Erwin Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Erwin Housing Authority?
Erwin Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Erwin Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Johnson City, TN MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $42,400. 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 | $17,850 | $29,700 | $47,500 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,950 | $54,300 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $38,200 | $61,100 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $42,400 | $67,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $45,800 | $73,300 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $49,200 | $78,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
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 Erwin Housing Authority — including across state lines.