Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bristol, Virginia
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Bristol area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Bristol, Virginia 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol, Virginia
Bristol, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Bristol area. There are also 25 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Bristol include Public Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open), Mainstream (1 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority opened its Mainstream waitlist on Aug 19, 2021.
About Housing in Bristol, Virginia
Affordable housing assistance in Bristol, Virginia is primarily administered by the Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority (BRHA). Currently, there are 3 open waiting lists managed by the BRHA, with no lists reported as closed. These programs aim to provide crucial support to eligible residents. Available programs with open waiting lists include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Mainstream program, and Public Housing. Other programs like Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and PBV are also present in the area, but their waiting lists are currently closed. The Bristol area has approximately 756 assisted housing units available to help low-income individuals and families.
To qualify for most affordable housing programs, income limits apply. For instance, a family of four in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA MSA area is considered Very Low Income if their household income does not exceed $38,350 per year (FY2025). It is important to note that income limits vary based on household size and specific program guidelines, so applicants should verify the exact requirements with the BRHA. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority directly to learn more about application procedures, specific eligibility criteria, and to inquire about joining the open waiting lists for HCV, Mainstream, or Public Housing programs.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bristol
To apply for housing assistance in Bristol, Virginia, submit an application directly to Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 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 $38,350/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 Bristol include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Tax Credit, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Tax Credit Program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Bristol, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bristol, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $38,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $79,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,100 | $26,850 | $42,950 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $30,700 | $49,100 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $34,550 | $55,250 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $38,350 | $61,350 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $41,450 | $66,300 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $44,500 | $71,200 |
| 7 Persons | $47,600 | $47,600 | $76,100 |
| 8 Persons | $50,650 | $50,650 | $81,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Bristol 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 Bristol and have active housing programs.