All RHA waitlists will be closing
Effective October 31, 2023 at 5:00pm, the Raleigh Housing Authority will be closing all Section 8 Voucher and Public Housing waiting lists. Once closed, no new applications will be accepted until a waiting list is re-opened.
WHY IS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CLOSING ITS WAITING LISTS?
As of July 2023, the size of our waiting lists had increased to record numbers, with over 9,000 families waiting for a housing voucher and over 6,000 families waiting for Public Housing. It will take us years to exhaust the current list of applicants already on our lists.
Raleigh Housing Authority is in the process of converting to a new computer database. As part of this transition, staff will need to learn the new computer system which will take time. The waiting lists will remain closed until staff is trained and at a capacity to handle accepting new applications.
HOW LONG WILL THE WAITING LISTS BE CLOSED?
We do not know how long the waiting lists will be closed. RHA may re-open waiting lists either partially or in full. The length of the closure will depend on several things including:
- The rate at which current program participants leave the program,
- Implementation and operation of new computer programs,
- Administrative capabilities,
- Fluctuations in the housing market, and
- Future redevelopment and/or repositioning plans from the Housing Authority.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN THE WAITING LISTS RE-OPEN?
When the waiting lists re-open, we will announce it in the local newspapers, on our website, and we will post the opening on the front door of our offices. RHA will also notify service providers in the area to help reach those in need. The best way to keep informed about our waiting lists is to check our website frequently, www.rhaonline.com.
WILL CLOSING THE WAITING LIST IMPACT RHA’S SERVICES?
RHA will continue operating its current affordable housing programs, closing the waiting lists will not impact or alter this. By limiting the amount of applications and families, RHA will be able to focus on its current families and applicants. This will allow staff to provide a higher level of customer care and service.
WHAT IF I’M ALREADY ON THE WAITING LIST?
If you are already on the waiting list, you will not be impacted by the waiting list closure. We will continue to process all applications received up until 5pm the day before the closure.
Don’t forget to keep the Housing Authority informed of any changes to your contact information such as your mailing address. If the Housing Authority attempts to contact you and you do not respond, your application may be withdrawn. Please complete a Change of Status Form to report changes to your address, contact information, or to update your application.
HOW LONG IS THE CURRENT WAIT TIME?
RHA is not able to estimate a specific wait time for individual applicants. However, we currently estimate a wait time of 2-5 years for public housing and 3-7 years for Section 8. RHA will lower wait times through temporary and routine waiting list closures.
