Athens, TX

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Athens, Texas

There is 1 open waiting list in the Athens area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Athens, Texas and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.

If no lists are currently open in Athens, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.

1
Agencies
1
Open Now
1
Closed

Affordable Housing in Athens, Texas

Athens, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Athens area. There are also 16 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Athens include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Athens Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Athens, Texas

Finding affordable housing in Athens, Texas is primarily managed by the Athens Housing Authority. This agency offers assistance through two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. For those seeking immediate opportunities, the Public Housing program currently has an open waiting list for new applicants. However, the waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher program is presently closed to new applications.

To be eligible for these programs, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, a family of four in the Henderson County, TX area would generally need to have an income at or below $43,300 per year to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025. Athens, Texas has approximately 244 assisted housing units available across these programs. While the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees state-level housing initiatives, local programs are managed by the Athens Housing Authority. When waitlists are open, it is important to apply promptly and ensure all required documentation is submitted accurately.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Athens

To apply for housing assistance in Athens, Texas, submit an application directly to Athens Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $43,300/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

Housing programs available in Athens include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).

Athens, Texas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Athens, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Henderson County, TX area. A family of four must earn less than $43,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $87,100.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,200 $30,300 $48,500
2 Persons $21,150 $34,600 $55,400
3 Persons $26,650 $38,950 $62,350
4 Persons $32,150 $43,300 $69,250
5 Persons $37,650 $46,750 $74,800
6 Persons $43,150 $50,200 $80,350
7 Persons $48,650 $53,700 $85,900
8 Persons $54,150 $57,150 $91,450
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $87,100 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Athens use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Athens?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Athens, Texas. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Athens if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Athens?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Athens wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Texas