East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Knoxville, Tennessee
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) is located in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. This agency manages approximately 847 assisted housing units, all of which are Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.
Currently, ETHRA is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The HCV program recently transitioned from closed to open, providing an opportunity for new applicants to apply. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area is $49,700 per year.
Potential applicants interested in housing assistance or energy support should confirm current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly with ETHRA.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 28, 2021
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting period is approximately 9 months. Families involuntarily displaced due to natural disasters are moved to the top of the waiting list.
LIHEAP Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or Phone
Additional Notes
Assistance is available for utility bills and home heating costs. Qualifying households can receive assistance one time during a year (July 1 - June 30).
View original notice — ethra.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.
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.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Check Current Status
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, LIHEAP). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, 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 $49,700/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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. East Tennessee Human Resource Agency manages approximately 847 assisted housing units (847 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Knoxville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 Knoxville. This program serves approximately 847 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHEAP open
The LIHEAP program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Knoxville. 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 closed
Public Housing units at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Knoxville maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency free?
How long is the wait at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
What are the income limits for East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,700. 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 | $20,900 | $34,750 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,700 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,650 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,650 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,600 | $104,950 |
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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency — including across state lines.