Somerville Housing Authority
Somerville, Massachusetts
Last Updated
17 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Somerville Housing Authority is participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Centralized Waitlist. Applications can be completed online at affordablehousing.com or via a preliminary application delivered to 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, MA 02145.
Inclusionary Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 2, 2026
Closing Date
Mar 2, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Consolidated Rental Waitlist. Apply online or in-person at the City Hall Annex (50 Evergreen Ave.) during regular business hours. Somerville residents who have preference and those with emergency housing needs may also receive priority.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Mainstream vouchers operate like the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Applicants will be selected from the SHA's waiting list. For details about the list and how to apply, visit the applications page.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Somerville Housing Authority has implemented site-based waiting lists for its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Project Based (PBV) units. Families can apply directly to the projects or directly with the SHA.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for Federal and State Public Housing can be completed online at CHAMP for State Public Housing or via paper applications available on the website. Federal applications are for Mystic View and Federal Elderly/Disabled Public Housing. State applications are for Mystic River and State Elderly/Disabled Public Housing.
Other Programs
2 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.
Consolidated Rental Waitlist lottery was conducted on June 9. Applicants can log into their application portal at somervillewaitlist.org/login and see their waitlist placement number. Contact the Inclusionary Housing Program for any application related questions at Inclusionary@somervillema.gov o...
For the Shelter-Plus Care Program, which administers SRO vouchers, interested individuals should contact The Somerville Homeless Coalition at (617) 623-6111. This program targets disabled homeless persons.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Somerville Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Somerville Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. 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 Somerville Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Somerville Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Inclusionary Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somerville Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somerville Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Inclusionary Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somerville Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
SRO
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somerville Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Somerville Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Somerville Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Somerville Housing Authority?
Somerville Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Somerville Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. 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 | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,200 | $105,850 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,100 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,300 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $142,900 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,500 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,100 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,650 |
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 Somerville Housing Authority — including across state lines.