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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Jena, Louisiana
All waiting lists in Jena are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Jena, Louisiana 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 Jena, 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 Jena, Louisiana
Jena, Louisiana is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Jena are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 22 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Jena include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Jena right now, there are 22 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Jena, Louisiana
Affordable housing assistance in Jena, Louisiana is primarily managed by the Housing Authority of Jena. This authority serves the area by offering two main types of programs: Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Currently, the waitlist for Public Housing is open, providing an opportunity for eligible individuals and families to apply. The Housing Choice Voucher program waitlist is presently closed. There are approximately 50 assisted housing units available across these programs in the Jena area.
To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet specific income criteria. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the La Salle Parish area is set at $36,100 per year for FY2025. These limits are updated annually and are a critical factor in determining eligibility. The state housing agency overseeing these efforts is the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC). Those seeking assistance should contact the Housing Authority of Jena directly to inquire about specific eligibility requirements, current waitlist status, and how to apply for the open Public Housing program.
Housing Authorities in Jena
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Jena
To apply for housing assistance in Jena, Louisiana, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Jena, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $36,100/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 Jena include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Jena, Louisiana Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Jena, Louisiana, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the La Salle Parish, LA area. A family of four must earn less than $36,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $92,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,650 | $25,250 | $40,450 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $28,850 | $46,200 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $32,450 | $52,000 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $36,100 | $57,750 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $38,950 | $62,400 |
| 6 Persons | $41,850 | $41,850 | $67,000 |
| 7 Persons | $44,750 | $44,750 | $71,650 |
| 8 Persons | $47,650 | $47,650 | $76,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Jena 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 Jena and have active housing programs.