Section 8 housing voucher waitlists can stretch for years, and many housing authorities have even closed their lists entirely. If you’re waiting for Section 8 or don’t qualify, you’re not out of options. Several federal and local housing assistance programs exist that fewer people know about, which often means shorter waitlists and faster access to help. Here’s your guide to alternative programs worth applying for right now.

Public Housing: The Original Federal Housing Program

Public housing predates Section 8 and operates differently. Instead of receiving a voucher to use anywhere, you rent a unit owned and managed by your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). These are apartment buildings or townhouse complexes specifically designated as public housing.

How It Works: Your rent is typically 30% of your adjusted monthly income, similar to Section 8. The PHA owns the property and handles all maintenance and management. You apply directly through your local housing authority.

Who Qualifies: Eligibility requirements mirror Section 8, generally Your income must fall below 50% of your area’s median income, though some units are reserved for those at 30% or below. U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required.

Key Differences from Section 8: You have less flexibility in choosing where you live since you must accept an available unit in a public housing property. However, waitlists are often shorter than Section 8, and some housing authorities maintain separate lists, meaning you can be on both simultaneously.

How to Apply: Contact your local PHA directly. 

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The HOME program is a federal block grant that state and local governments use to create affordable housing opportunities. This lesser-known program operates quietly in communities nationwide, funding various housing assistance types.

How It Works: HOME funds are distributed to states and localities, which then design their own programs. These might include rental assistance, down payment assistance for homebuyers, housing rehabilitation loans, or assistance for special needs populations. Each jurisdiction structures its HOME program differently.

Who Qualifies: Generally, HOME rental assistance serves households earning 60% or less of area median income, while homeownership programs often target those earning up to 80% of median income. Specific requirements vary by location.

What Makes It Different: HOME programs often have more flexible eligibility requirements than Section 8 and may offer assistance types that Section 8 doesn’t, such as help buying a home or funds to repair your current residence.

How to Apply: Contact your state housing finance agency or local housing department to learn about HOME-funded programs in your area. Search “[your state] housing finance agency” or “[your city] housing department HOME program.”

Project-Based Section 8 and Other Subsidized Housing

Unlike tenant-based Section 8 vouchers, project-based assistance stays with specific properties. Various federal programs subsidize private apartment buildings, making units affordable to low-income residents.

Programs to Look For:

• Project-Based Section 8: Subsidies attached to specific apartment buildings
• Section 202: Housing for elderly persons (62+)
• Section 811: Housing for people with disabilities
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Private apartments with rent restrictions
• USDA Rural Development Housing: Subsidized rural housing

Who Qualifies: Requirements vary by program. Section 202 and 811 have age or disability requirements. LIHTC properties typically serve households earning 60% or less of area median income. USDA housing is for rural residents meeting income limits.

Key Advantage: These programs often have separate waitlists from traditional Section 8, and some buildings have immediate or short-wait availability.

How to Find Properties: Use the Affordable Housing Online database at or HUD’s Resource Locator to search for subsidized properties near you.

Emergency Housing Vouchers and Targeted Programs

Several specialized voucher programs serve specific populations with potentially shorter waits:

Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): Designed for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or recently homeless. These vouchers work like Section 8 but come from separate funding with different eligibility criteria.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH): Combines rental assistance with case management for homeless veterans. Administered through the VA and local housing authorities.

Family Unification Program (FUP): Vouchers for families involved with child welfare systems and youth aging out of foster care.

Who Qualifies: Each program has specific eligibility tied to homelessness status, veteran status, or child welfare involvement. These aren’t general housing programs, but if you meet the criteria, waitlists are typically much shorter.

How to Access: Contact your local Continuum of Care (homeless services coordinating body), VA medical center, or child welfare agency about eligibility.

State and Local Housing Programs

Beyond federal programs, many states and large cities operate their own housing assistance initiatives with separate funding and waitlists.

Examples of Local Programs:

New York City: City-funded vouchers like CityFHEPS (for families with child welfare involvement or experiencing homelessness) and LINC (for various vulnerable populations).

California: CalWORKs Housing Support Program provides housing assistance to families receiving cash aid. Various counties offer local housing assistance programs.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) operate independently from federal Section 8.

Chicago: Chicago Housing Authority runs local preference programs and partners with community organizations for housing access.

How to Find Local Programs: Search “[your city/county] housing assistance programs” or “[your state] rental assistance.” Contact local nonprofit housing organizations, as they often know about lesser-known programs and can help with applications.

Strategic Application Approach

Don’t limit yourself to one program. Apply for everything you’re eligible for simultaneously. Here’s your action plan:

Step 1: Apply for traditional Section 8 (if waitlists are open) and public housing through your local PHA.

Step 2: Search for subsidized properties in your area using affordable housing databases and apply directly to buildings with availability.

Step 3: Contact your state housing finance agency about HOME program options and other state-funded assistance.

Step 4: If you meet criteria for targeted programs (veteran, homeless, fleeing violence, etc.), pursue those specialized vouchers.

Step 5: Connect with local homeless prevention organizations and housing counseling agencies—they often know about funding sources and programs the general public doesn’t.

Multiple applications increase your chances of securing assistance sooner. Many people successfully obtain housing through these alternative programs while still waiting for Section 8.