Housing Authority of City of Kelso
Kelso, Washington
Last Updated
Yesterday
Public Housing waitlist opens in 21 days — Oct 27, 2026
1 more opening soon at this agency
About Housing Authority of City of Kelso
Housing Authority of City of Kelso (HUD agency code WA020) is the public housing agency serving Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington. It administers 116 public housing units and 312 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 5 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, LIHTC, Other, PBV, Public Housing. As of Jul 18, 2026, all 5 tracked lists are closed to new applications.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Longview-Kelso, WA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $47,400 per year, and as Low Income at or below $75,850 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 6 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 7, 2026.
Opening Soon
2 upcomingSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Dec 29, 2026
Details
The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is planning to open on December 29, 2026; application method details are likely to be announced closer to the date.
Public Housing Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Oct 27, 2026
Application Window
Oct 27, 2026 – Dec 8, 2026
Details
The Public Housing Program Waitlist is announced to open from October 27, 2026, at 9:00 am to December 8, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Preferences for placement on the waiting list have not been confirmed.
Other Programs
3 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.
The waitlist for Blue Thistle Villa properties was open in 2025, with applications available at the KHA office.
This waitlist was for the new Blue Thistle Villa properties (LIHTC). Applications were available at the KHA office.
Pre-applications for the Project-Based Voucher waitlist were accepted from August 13, 2025, to September 20, 2025.
Status History
Deadline: Sep 20, 2025
Official Application
Contact Housing Authority of City of Kelso directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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 Housing Authority of City of Kelso
Check Current Status
All waiting lists at Housing Authority of City of Kelso are currently closed, but 2 lists are expected to open soon. Prepare your documents now so you can apply immediately when the window opens.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of City of Kelso, 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 $47,400/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 Housing Authority of City of Kelso portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of City of Kelso, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of City of Kelso manages approximately 428 assisted housing units (312 Section 8, 116 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Kelso. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of City of Kelso
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of City of Kelso 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 Kelso. This program serves approximately 312 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHTC Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) closed
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program at Housing Authority of City of Kelso provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kelso. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs program at Housing Authority of City of Kelso provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Kelso. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of City of Kelso are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Kelso. 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 Housing Authority of City of Kelso are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of City of Kelso manages approximately 116 Public Housing units in Kelso. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of City of Kelso free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of City of Kelso?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of City of Kelso?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of City of Kelso?
Housing Authority of City of Kelso Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of City of Kelso are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Longview-Kelso, WA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,400. 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 | $19,950 | $33,200 | $53,100 |
| 2 Persons | $22,800 | $37,950 | $60,700 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,700 | $68,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,400 | $75,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,200 | $81,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,000 | $88,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,800 | $94,100 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,600 | $100,150 |
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 Housing Authority of City of Kelso — including across state lines.