Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Oregon
Oregon has 23 housing authorities managing a combined 253 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 122 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 48%. This data was last verified on Jul 16, 2026.
Oregon offers a range of affordable housing assistance programs managed by local authorities. Across the state, 23 housing authorities oversee a total of 159 waiting lists for various housing programs. Currently, 77 of these lists are open, representing a 48% open rate, while 50 lists are closed. The primary state housing agency is Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), which works to support these efforts.
Oregon's programs include Public Housing (23 lists, 12 open), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (23 lists, 10 open), and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (19 lists, 9 open). Applicants can also look into Mainstream (10 lists, 2 open), VASH (3 lists, all 3 open), Affordable Housing (3 lists, 2 open), and LIHTC (2 lists, all 2 open). Other programs with open lists include Moderate Rehabilitation (2 lists, 1 open), and specialized assistance like Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) and Family Self-Sufficiency. Property-specific opportunities are available at locations such as Cottage Creek Apartments, Depoe Bay Townhomes, Garden View Apartments, NEOHA Owned and Managed Rentals, Pioneer Court, River View, and STRATUS VILLAGE APARTMENTS. Other open property-based listings include Multi-Family Apartment, Owned and Managed Units, and Tax Credit Project (Harbeck Village). Additionally, Housing Rehabilitation, LIHTC Rent-Restricted Units, N/NE Preference Policy (Rental), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Property-Specific Housing show current openings.
Geographically, some areas show more activity or different levels of competition. Salem has 2 housing authorities with 2 open lists, while The Dalles has 2 housing authorities managing 8 open lists, and North Bend has 2 housing authorities with 5 open lists. Grants Pass has 1 housing authority with 3 open lists, and Hermiston has 1 housing authority with 1 open list. For those seeking housing, Portland's Home Forward waitlists are known to be extremely competitive. Conversely, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Salem and Eugene may offer shorter wait times. Oregon also provides state rent assistance programs, offering additional avenues for support.
Recent activity indicates changes in availability across the state. The Housing Authority of Douglas County in Roseburg recently updated its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program from closed to open. In The Dalles, both the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority and the Columbia Gorge Housing Authority changed their Project-Based Voucher (PBV) lists from an unknown status to open, indicating new opportunities in that city.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Oregon include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (11 open), Public Housing (14 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (10 open), Mainstream (2 open), RAD, VASH (3 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Oregon right now are McMinnville (16), La Grande (14), Albany (13), Warrenton (12), and The Dalles (11) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Housing Authority of Douglas County — Public Housing
Eligibility Requirements for Oregon
To qualify for assistance in Oregon, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Oregon legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.