Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Vermont
Vermont has 9 housing authorities managing a combined 74 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 41 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 55%. This data was last verified on Jun 1, 2026.
Vermont has 9 housing authorities managing a total of 61 waiting lists for various housing assistance programs. Currently, 33 lists are open, representing a 54% open rate, while 14 are closed. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) serves as the state's housing agency, playing a role in supporting affordable housing initiatives. Vermont has a relatively small number of Public Housing Authorities, and the state complements federal programs with its own rental assistance to address local housing needs.
Applicants can find a range of programs available, though their availability varies. Public Housing offers 7 open lists out of 9 total, and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) also have 7 open lists out of 8. Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) have 3 open lists out of 9, while the Mainstream program has 2 open lists out of 5. The RAD program has 3 open lists out of 5. Other programs, such as FUP, VASH, and Mod Rehab, currently have no open lists. One list each is open for programs like NED, CoC, Other (The Courtyard), Other Rental Assistance (CoC Grants), Other Rental Assistance Programs, Disaster and Transitional Housing, Courtyard Apartments, and The Courtyard.
For those seeking open lists, focusing on larger cities may offer more opportunities. Burlington Housing Authority is the largest housing authority in the state and currently has 8 open lists. Other cities with active openings include Montpelier with 4 open lists, Brattleboro with 3, Bennington with 2, and Rutland with 3. Recent activity highlights the dynamic nature of these lists; for instance, Montpelier Housing Authority changed its HCV program from open to closed, while Burlington Housing Authority changed an 'other' program from closed to open, and its VASH program from unknown to closed. Applicants should regularly check for updates, particularly in areas like Burlington, which frequently has multiple programs accepting applications.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Vermont include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (2 open), Public Housing (8 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (6 open), RAD (2 open), Mainstream, VASH. 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 Vermont right now are Burlington (16), Winooski (10), Montpelier (6), Barre (3), and Rutland (2) . 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: Winooski Housing Authority — Courtyard Apartments (Elderly/Disabled)
Eligibility Requirements for Vermont
To qualify for assistance in Vermont, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA).
- 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 Vermont legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.