Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in St Thomas, Virgin Islands
There are 16 open waiting lists in the St Thomas area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving St Thomas, Virgin Islands 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 St Thomas, 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.
Affordable Housing in St Thomas, Virgin Islands
St Thomas, Virgin Islands is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 16 waiting lists are accepting applications in the St Thomas area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in St Thomas include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (2 open), Public Housing (2 open), HCV (2 open).
Latest Opening
Virgin Islands Housing Authority opened its SRO waitlist on Apr 1, 2026.
About Housing in St Thomas, Virgin Islands
Affordable housing assistance in St. Thomas, VI is primarily managed by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority. Currently, 15 waiting lists are open for various housing programs, while 3 are closed. The area has approximately 4,593 assisted housing units available to help low-income residents find stable housing.
Programs with open waiting lists include Public Housing, HCV (Housing Choice Voucher), PBV (Project-Based Voucher), and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) programs. There is also one open waiting list for an Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, along with other general housing assistance options. Programs like Mainstream and RAD, and some EHV programs, currently have closed waiting lists. For a family of four seeking assistance, the Very Low Income limit for the St. Thomas Island, VI area is $46,400 per year, based on FY2025 guidelines.
When applying for housing assistance, it is important to understand which programs are currently accepting applications. Prospective applicants should gather all necessary income and household documentation in advance. Regularly check the status of specific waiting lists, as their open and closed status can change. Being prepared with accurate information can help streamline the application process for these vital housing programs in St. Thomas.
Housing Authorities in St Thomas
Virgin Islands Housing Authority
St Thomas, Virgin Islands · VQ001
Virgin Islands Housing Authority
St Thomas, Virgin Islands · VQ901
How to Apply for Section 8 in St Thomas
To apply for housing assistance in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the St Thomas area (listed above). Right now, 16 waiting lists are 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 $46,400/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 St Thomas include Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Other (Single Room Occupancy), Other, Single Room Occupancy, SRO, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Single Room Occupancy Programs, Emergency Housing Voucher, Mainstream, RAD, EHV. 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).
St Thomas, Virgin Islands Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in St Thomas, Virgin Islands, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the St. Thomas Island, VI area. A family of four must earn less than $46,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $67,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $52,000 |
| 2 Persons | $22,300 | $37,100 | $59,400 |
| 3 Persons | $25,100 | $41,750 | $66,850 |
| 4 Persons | $27,850 | $46,400 | $74,250 |
| 5 Persons | $30,100 | $50,100 | $80,200 |
| 6 Persons | $32,350 | $53,850 | $86,150 |
| 7 Persons | $34,550 | $57,550 | $92,100 |
| 8 Persons | $36,800 | $61,250 | $98,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in St Thomas 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of St Thomas and have active housing programs.