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About Nelson County Housing Authority
The Nelson County Housing Authority (PHA Code: ND058) serves residents in Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota. This authority is responsible for the management of approximately 25 assisted housing units within its service area.
The waitlists for the Mainstream and Public Housing programs are presently open for new applications. However, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is currently closed. Interested applicants should note the income guidelines for eligibility.
For a family of four residing in the Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA area, the Very Low Income limit is established at $52,200 per year. This threshold helps determine eligibility for the housing assistance programs offered by the authority.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Mainstream Vouchers are for disabled individuals under 62 and offer a significantly shorter wait time; applicants should indicate their disability on the application.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are currently being accepted for Project-Based Voucher units, and the Grand Forks Housing Authority indicates that selection for some managed properties and programs is happening quickly.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 22, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Grand Forks Housing Authority (PHA ND012), which also administers for Nelson County Public Housing, currently accepts applications. Households must earn less than 80% of the area median income. Applications are placed by date and time received, with selection also considering income targeting.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list for Nelson County Housing Authority is currently closed.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Nelson County 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 Nelson County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Nelson County Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Nelson County Housing Authority, 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 $52,200/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 Nelson County 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 at Nelson County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Nelson County Housing Authority manages approximately 25 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Grand Forks. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Nelson County Housing Authority
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at Nelson County Housing Authority 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 open
Project-Based Vouchers at Nelson County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Grand Forks. 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 open
Public Housing units at Nelson County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Nelson County Housing Authority manages approximately 25 Public Housing units in Grand Forks. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Nelson County Housing Authority 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 Grand Forks. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Nelson County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Nelson County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Nelson County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Nelson County Housing Authority?
Nelson County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Nelson County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Grand Forks, ND-MN MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $52,200. 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 | $21,950 | $36,550 | $58,450 |
| 2 Persons | $25,050 | $41,800 | $66,800 |
| 3 Persons | $28,200 | $47,000 | $75,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $52,200 | $83,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,400 | $90,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $60,600 | $96,900 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $64,750 | $103,550 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $68,950 | $110,250 |
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 Nelson County Housing Authority — including across state lines.