Waitlists and Eligibility
Information about waitlists at Home Forward
About Waitlists
The need for affordable housing is high, and resources are limited. This is why Home Forward has waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and many apartment communities it owns or operates. Tenants must also meet specific income and other eligibility requirements.
Home Forward’s HCV and Property-based waitlists are currently closed. Sign up here to receive an email notification about waitlist openings or vacancies.
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER WAITLIST
The HCV waitlist is closed. It was last opened in April 2025. Home Forward will begin notifying applicants in October 2025. Notices will be sent to everyone who applied to one or more waitlists. The notices will tell applicants if they were selected at random to be added to one or more waitlists.
Important Information about the HCV Waitlist
- Placement on the HCV waitlist is an important first step toward potentially receiving rent assistance. However, placement on the waitlist does not guarantee immediate housing assistance.
- The timing of when HCVs can be issued depends on federal funding and the availability of resources within our programs. Federal funding is limited. We cannot provide individuals on the waitlist with a specific timeline for when they will be offered housing assistance.
- Home Forward was recently notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the HCV program is in shortfall status. Shortfall status means that HUD has determined that program costs exceed the amount of federal funding allocated to Home Forward for 2025. Home Forward has paused issuing vouchers and cannot select any households from the HCV waitlist while in shortfall status.
- We understand this news is disappointing. We are committed to updating this page as soon as we have more information to share.
property-based waitlists
Property-based Waitlists
Home Forward has waitlists for many properties it owns or operates. Households on a Property-based waitlist are notified when a unit become available or when a new building opens. Rent is subsidized. In April 2025, Home Forward opened 11 Property-based waitlists. Notices will be sent to everyone who applied to one or more Property-based waitlists in October 2025. The notice will tell them if they were selected at random to be added to one or more waitlists.
Important Information about the Property-Based Waitlists
- Placement on one or more Property-Based waitlists is an important first step toward potentially applying for a Home Forward home. However, placement on a Property-based waitlist does not guarantee rent assistance or an immediate opportunity to apply for housing.
- The timing of when a housing opportunity becomes available depends on the availability of homes, Wait times often vary. For that reason, we cannot provide a specific timeline for when you can apply for housing.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps people in our community afford rent by covering part of the cost. This program makes it easier for families to find safe and stable housing while allowing them to choose where they want to live.
The HCV program gives rent assistance in the form of a voucher to households on the waitlist. Vouchers are given out over time in the order people joined the waitlist. Because the need for affordable housing is high, waitlists openings don’t happen very often.
What is a Property-based Waitlist?
A property-based waitlist is for rent assistance that is tied to a specific Home Forward community instead of an individual. To get this support, you must live at that property. These vouchers cannot be moved to another place. Property-based waitlists open as units become vacant. Because the need for affordable housing is high, waitlists and vacancies don’t happen very often.
Properties with Open Waitlists
Home Forward is opening waitlists for 13 Home Forward apartment communities. People can apply for one or more of these waitlists through their application.
Senior and/or Disabled Only | Northeast Portland | Southeast Portland | Gresham |
Occupancy Standards for Property-based Waitlists
For the property-based waitlist, your household size will need to meet occupancy standards to be consider for specific bedroom sizes.
Am I Eligible?
Anyone can apply, but you must still qualify if your name is selected for an HCV or a vacancy opens up. If you think you might qualify, go ahead and apply! To qualify:
- Your household must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). See income guidelines section below.
- The head of the household must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- At least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Everyone must agree to a criminal background check.
NEW! 2025 Income Guidelines Just Released
Household Size | Max Yearly Income | Max Monthly Income |
1 | $43,450 | $3,620 |
2 | $49,650 | $4,137 |
3 | $55,850 | $4,654 |
4 | $62,050 | $5,170 |
5 | $67,050 | $5,587 |
6 | $72,000 | $6,000 |
7 | $76,950 | $6,412 |
8 | $81,950 | $6,829 |
What other options do I have if I don't get on a waitlist?
Some Home Forward apartment communities offer units with rents that are lower than the typical area rents (below market/unsubsidized). You must meet specific income requirements to be eligible. Rents are no more than 30% of your income. If you have rent assistance (voucher), you can use it at these properties. Waitlists are also common. If you are interested in a Home Forward apartment, reach out to the property, sign up for vacancy alerts or follow us on social media. You can also call 211 for housing assistance.
How Do I Apply?
- The application is open online on April 15 at 9:00 a.m. through Monday, April 21 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time).
- Create an account. Save time and ensure a smooth process by creating an account in the application portal (Rent Café). You can apply for both waitlists with one application. If you already have an account, you may need to reset your password. When the create an account option is available, just select “Reset Password.”
- Prepare your application. Start gathering the following documents to have ready when the application opens. Read the Prepare Your Application section of the website [Click Here] for more information.
- Submit your application. The application period opens on April 15.
Always provide true, complete, and accurate information on your application forms.
For all Home Forward programs, we verify eligibility, which could include income calculation, reference checks, and background screening. In the Housing Choice Voucher program, private landlords will also conduct their own screenings.
Home Forward does not influence the screening and eligibility requirements for private landlords. Screening and eligibility criteria at properties managed by Home Forward, where Home Forward is the landlord, may vary significantly from private landlords.
Approved Medical Priority
Waitlists for Housing Choice Voucher and apartment communities are always open for anyone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and life expectancy of less than 12 months. They will be served with priority after completing Priority Verification Due to Health form with a medical provider.
The waitlist for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible apartments at communities managed by Home Forward are available for people who require those apartment features, after completing Priority Verification ADA form with a medical provider.
Some Home Forward housing communities are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities and may also have apartments with physical accommodations for accessibility.
Need Assistance?
Live Support
Call us at 503-415-8050, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the open application period.
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