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 all apartment communities it owns/operates. You also have to meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. This page has information about the HCV and property-based waitlists.
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER WAITLIST
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is closed. It was last opened in April 2025. If you applied during that time, you will be notified if your name was selected at random by September 2025.
If you were notified that you are currently on the HCV waitlist, you can log in to the waitlist portal to check your position or call the Waitlist Position Hotline at 503-415-8000.
property-based waitlists
Home Forward has waitlists for all properties it owns/operates. We occasionally add names to property waitlists when space becomes available or a new building opens. If you applied for one (or more) property waitlist in April 2025, you will be notified if your name was selected at random by September 2025.
Current Opportunities
- NE Killingsworth and 42nd Ave: Waitlist OPEN from June 2 to June 6, 2025, at 4pm. Studios up to 3-bedrooms available. Certain income limits apply. Opens in July 2025. Add your name if you think you qualify!
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. But you can sign up here to get an email when there are waitlist openings or vacancies.
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. But you can sign up here to get an email when there are waitlist openings or vacancies.
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 |
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.
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Self-Help Resources
