About Vermont State Housing Authority

The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), located in Montpelier, Washington County, Vermont, manages approximately 4,504 assisted housing units, primarily providing Section 8 housing choice vouchers.

Currently, VSHA is accepting applications for its Disaster and Transitional Housing program and its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. Other programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, HOP, and Mainstream are presently closed. The status of programs, such as HCV, can fluctuate, having recently changed between open and closed. To be eligible, a family of four's Very Low Income in the Washington County, VT area must not exceed $55,200 annually.

VSHA provides essential housing assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. Prospective applicants should monitor program availability, especially for programs that frequently change status.

Disaster and Transitional Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Apr 1, 2018

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Households must be eligible for Disaster Preference (displaced due to fire, flood, natural disaster, or condemnation) or Transitional Housing Preference (transitioning from VSHA administered programs like FUP-Y, FYI, Shelter+Care).

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Applicants must meet HUD income and citizenship/immigration requirements, not owe money to VSHA or other housing authorities, and pass criminal background checks; applicants specify desired properties.

Other Programs

12 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers will be closed at 4:30pm on January 31, 2025. Applying does not guarantee a voucher, and final eligibility is determined after selection from the waitlist. Status on the waitlist can be checked by calling 888-406-4003, but the specific number on the list will not be provided.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
HOP
Closed

This program is paused until further notice, and new applications are not being accepted. Applications are to be returned to VSHA – FSS Coordinator, One Prospect Street, Montpelier, VT 05602-3556.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

This program provides rental assistance for non-elderly disabled families.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Pending

The Family Unification Program provides housing vouchers to families involved with the child welfare system where lack of housing is a primary factor in separation or placement of children, and to youth aging out of foster care.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Managed Housing
Pending

The Vermont State Housing Authority manages over 1500 units for various non-profit and profit entities. These properties are targeted primarily at lower-income populations, with rental assistance provided in most cases, and are divided between properties for families and those for the elderly and...

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Official Portal
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)
Pending

Tenants are selected from the existing waiting list. The subsidy is attached to the unit, not the family.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Moderate Rehabilitation
Pending

This is a project-specific housing program. Tenants are selected from the existing waiting list; owners/managers determine suitability, and VSHA determines eligibility. There is no information indicating an open waiting list for direct public application.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Public Housing
Pending

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.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

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.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Shelter Plus Care
Pending

This program provides rental assistance to people with disabilities experiencing homelessness, with supportive services funded from other sources. No current information found regarding an open waiting list for direct public application.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Shelter Plus Care (S+C)
Pending

No waitlist information currently available for this program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Pending

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing combines HUD rental assistance with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. Participants receive a housing voucher along with case management, health care, and mental health services through the VA.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 5, 2026
Mainstream Closed Feb 25, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Deadline: Jan 31, 2025

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Vermont State Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1 Prospect St
City Montpelier, VT 05602
PHA Code VT901
Section 8 Units 4,504

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Vermont State Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Vermont State Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Disaster and Transitional Housing, PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Vermont State 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 $55,200/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Vermont State Housing Authority 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Vermont State Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Vermont State Housing Authority manages approximately 4,504 assisted housing units (4,504 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Montpelier. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Vermont State Housing Authority

Disaster and Transitional Housing open

The Disaster and Transitional Housing program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Vermont State Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Montpelier. 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.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Vermont State 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 Montpelier. This program serves approximately 4,504 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

HOP closed

The HOP program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Vermont State 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.

FUP closed

The FUP program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Managed Housing closed

The Managed Housing program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mod Rehab closed

The Mod Rehab program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Moderate Rehabilitation closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Vermont State Housing Authority 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 Vermont State Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Montpelier maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Shelter Plus Care closed

The Shelter Plus Care program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Shelter Plus Care (S+C) closed

The Shelter Plus Care (S+C) program at Vermont State Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Montpelier. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at Vermont State Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Montpelier. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Vermont State Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Vermont State Housing Authority administers 14 programs (Disaster and Transitional Housing, PBV, HCV, HOP, Mainstream, FUP, Managed Housing, Mod Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, Public Housing, RAD, Shelter Plus Care, Shelter Plus Care (S+C), VASH) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1 Prospect St, Montpelier, VT.
How long is the wait at Vermont State Housing Authority?
Wait times at Vermont State Housing Authority depend on demand in Montpelier, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 4,504 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 6, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Vermont State Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Vermont State Housing Authority, including Montpelier Housing Authority (1 mi), Barre Housing Authority (6 mi), Winooski Housing Authority (34 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Vermont and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Vermont.
How do I contact Vermont State Housing Authority?
You can reach Vermont State Housing Authority by phone at (802) 828-3295. Their office is located at 1 Prospect St, Montpelier, VT 05602. You can also email them at kathleen@vsha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Vermont State Housing Authority?
Income limits for Vermont State Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Washington County, VT (currently $110,400). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $55,200. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Vermont State Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Vermont State Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington County, VT. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $55,200. 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 $23,200 $38,650 $61,850
2 Persons $26,500 $44,200 $70,650
3 Persons $29,800 $49,700 $79,500
4 Persons $33,100 $55,200 $88,300
5 Persons $37,650 $59,650 $95,400
6 Persons $43,150 $64,050 $102,450
7 Persons $48,650 $68,450 $109,500
8 Persons $54,150 $72,900 $116,600
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $110,400 Effective April 1, 2025
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.