Section 8 Housing in North Carolina: Where Applications Are Open

North Carolina's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program is administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Waiting lists open and close based on funding and demand. As of 2024, several major PHAs periodically accept applications:

PHAs Known to Open Lists Regularly

• Charlotte Housing Authority — Largest in state. Opens via online lottery (typically annually). High demand: 10,000+ applicants for few hundred vouchers.
• Raleigh Housing Authority — Opens waitlist periodically. Online application portal.
• Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority — Military-connected demand (Fort Liberty). Opens intermittently.
• Winston-Salem Housing Authority — Forsyth County. Lottery system.
• Greensboro Housing Authority — Guilford County. Check website for openings.
• Durham Housing Authority — High demand, Duke/UNC affiliation.
• Asheville / Buncombe County — Mountain tourism economy drives housing pressure.
• Wilmington — Coastal growth, hurricane displacement impact.

How to Apply

1. Identify your PHA (county/city based)
2. Monitor PHA website and local news for opening announcements
3. Apply only during open window — typically online
4. Provide: ID, SSN, income proof, household composition, residency
5. Receive confirmation number; wait for lottery/ranking

Critical Tips

• Apply to multiple PHAs if you're willing to live in those jurisdictions
• Wait times: 1–5+ years typical in NC metros
• Preferences: Veterans, elderly, disabled, homeless, local residents often prioritized
• Scams: No fee to apply. PHAs never ask for payment.

Statewide Resource

NCHousingSearch.org — Lists affordable units (some accept vouchers). NC Housing Coalition — Advocacy, directory. HUD NC Field Office (Greensboro) — Oversight.