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East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Knoxville, Tennessee
Last Updated
8 hours ago
About East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) is located in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. This agency manages approximately 847 assisted housing units, all of which are Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.
Currently, ETHRA is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The HCV program recently transitioned from closed to open, providing an opportunity for new applicants to apply. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area is $49,700 per year.
Potential applicants interested in housing assistance or energy support should confirm current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly with ETHRA.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 28, 2021
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting period is approximately three years, with priority given to families involuntarily displaced by natural disasters, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals. Applicants must meet income guidelines (e.g., Very Low Income limit for a family of four is $49,700 for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area) and pass a background check. Declining two invitations to apply will result in the application being purged from the waitlist.
LIHEAP Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2026
Closing Date
Jun 30, 2027
How to Apply
Online or Phone
Additional Notes
Assistance is available for utility bills and home heating costs once per year, with crisis assistance prioritized for applicants with cut-off notices.
Other Housing Assistance Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2026
Closing Date
Jun 30, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 29, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Pre-applications are accepted; declining two invitations to apply will result in the application being purged from the waitlist. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement.
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2026
Closing Date
Jun 30, 2027
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville.
Other Programs
6 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.
ETHRA has received a limited number of Emergency Housing Vouchers for individuals or families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing violence, or recently homeless.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Crisis applications for those with cut-off notices are accepted for individuals who meet a qualifying circumstance, such as being elderly, disabled, or having a child under 6.
No active waitlist information found.
No active waitlist information found.
No active waitlist information found.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Check Current Status
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, LIHEAP, Other Housing Assistance, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, 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 $49,700/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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. East Tennessee Human Resource Agency manages approximately 847 assisted housing units (847 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Knoxville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 Knoxville. This program serves approximately 847 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
LIHEAP open
The LIHEAP program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on June 30, 2027.
Other Housing Assistance open
The Other Housing Assistance program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on June 30, 2027.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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.
other open
The other program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements. The application window closes on June 30, 2027.
EHV closed
The EHV program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Vouchers closed
The Emergency Housing Vouchers program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other closed
The Other program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Knoxville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency 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 closed
Project-Based Vouchers at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Knoxville. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Knoxville maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency free?
How long is the wait at East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
What are the income limits for East Tennessee Human Resource Agency?
East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $49,700. 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 | $20,900 | $34,750 | $55,650 |
| 2 Persons | $23,850 | $39,750 | $63,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,850 | $44,700 | $71,550 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $49,700 | $79,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $53,650 | $85,900 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $57,650 | $92,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $61,650 | $98,600 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $65,600 | $104,950 |
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 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency — including across state lines.