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County of Sonoma
Santa Rosa, California
Last Updated
10 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist opens in 31 days — Sep 30, 2026
About County of Sonoma
The County of Sonoma, located in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California (PHA Code: CA085), manages approximately 3,277 assisted housing units, primarily through Section 8 vouchers.
Currently, the County of Sonoma's Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is open for applications, having recently transitioned from a closed status. Other programs offered include the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, Homeownership Program, Mainstream, Public Housing, RAD, and Shelter Plus Care Program, though their current application status is unknown. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA area is $75,500 per year. Applicants should focus on the open PBV program as other programs may not be accepting applications.
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Opening Soon
1 upcomingSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Sep 30, 2026
Details
The waitlist is expected to open in late 2026, with preferences for persons with disabilities and seniors (62+).
Other Programs
10 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.
No active waitlist openings for this program at this time.
No active waitlist openings for this program at this time.
No active waitlist openings for this program at this time.
There are no currently open Project-Based Voucher waitlist lotteries, and no future openings announced beyond the current date.
The Public Housing waitlist is currently closed with no current information found regarding reopening.
No active waitlist openings for this program at this time.
No active waitlist openings for this program at this time.
This program combines case management, education, and training with rental assistance to aid families in becoming financially independent.
No current waiting list information found for the Family Unification Program.
Status is unknown for Foster Youth to Independence Initiative, Homeownership Program, and Shelter Plus Care Program.
Status History
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official County of Sonoma portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 County of Sonoma
Check Current Status
All waiting lists at County of Sonoma are currently closed, but 1 list is 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 County of Sonoma, 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 $75,500/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 County of Sonoma portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at County of Sonoma, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. County of Sonoma manages approximately 3,277 assisted housing units (3,277 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Santa Rosa. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at County of Sonoma
FYI Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) closed
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at County of Sonoma 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 Santa Rosa. This program serves approximately 3,277 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Homeownership Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance closed
The Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at County of Sonoma 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at County of Sonoma are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Santa Rosa. 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 County of Sonoma 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 (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at County of Sonoma converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Santa Rosa maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Supportive Supportive & Transitional Housing closed
The Supportive & Transitional Housing program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
FSS Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) closed
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
FUP Family Unification Program (FUP) closed
The Family Unification Program (FUP) program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs closed
The Other Programs program at County of Sonoma provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Rosa. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at County of Sonoma free?
How long is the wait at County of Sonoma?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact County of Sonoma?
What are the income limits for County of Sonoma?
County of Sonoma Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the County of Sonoma are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $75,500. 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 | $31,750 | $52,850 | $84,650 |
| 2 Persons | $36,250 | $60,400 | $96,750 |
| 3 Persons | $40,800 | $67,950 | $108,850 |
| 4 Persons | $45,300 | $75,500 | $120,900 |
| 5 Persons | $48,950 | $81,550 | $130,600 |
| 6 Persons | $52,550 | $87,600 | $140,250 |
| 7 Persons | $56,200 | $93,650 | $149,950 |
| 8 Persons | $59,800 | $99,700 | $159,600 |
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 County of Sonoma — including across state lines.