Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Charleston, West Virginia
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Charleston area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Charleston, West 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Charleston area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Charleston include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston, West Virginia, offers various affordable housing options primarily managed by the Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority. This authority is the sole housing provider for the area, overseeing approximately 4,492 assisted housing units. Currently, there are 2 open waiting lists and 1 closed list for housing assistance in Charleston.
Prospective applicants should be aware of the specific programs available. While there is 1 list for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, it is currently closed. However, the Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program and 1 open waiting list for Public Housing. It is important for applicants to meet income qualifications; for instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $38,400 per year. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund also plays a role as the state housing agency.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the status of these waiting lists and prepare necessary documentation for any applications.
Housing Authorities in Charleston
How to Apply for Section 8 in Charleston
To apply for housing assistance in Charleston, West Virginia, submit an application directly to Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $38,400/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 Charleston include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).
Charleston, West Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Charleston, West Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $38,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $76,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,150 | $26,900 | $43,050 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $30,750 | $49,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $34,600 | $55,350 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $38,400 | $61,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $44,550 | $71,300 |
| 7 Persons | $47,650 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 8 Persons | $50,700 | $50,700 | $81,150 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Charleston 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 Charleston and have active housing programs.