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Housing & Voucher Waitlists

Find the latest available information on affordable housing and vouchers waitlists here.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is closed until further notice. The last window to apply closed on August 4, 2021.
Waitlist icon

Place-Based Waitlist Open

Our place-based waitlists are open effective February 11, 2026, and will remain open continuously until further notice.

This means individuals and families can apply for housing opportunities specific to designated locations within Washington County.

What You Need to Know

  • The waitlist uses a zone-based system, dividing Washington County into four regional zones.
  • These waitlists include spots for both Project-Based Vouchers and Public Housing units.
  • Once you apply, you will be added to the end of the existing zone’s list(s).
  • You may apply for any zones where you would choose to live.

Important

  • Once on a list, you must keep your information updated in the portal if there are changes in your mailing address, phone number or email.
  • You will have to confirm your interest annually through our portal where you applied to remain active.
  • Once selected from the waitlist, you will be contacted by email, and a letter will be sent out.

How to Apply

Please visit our online portal to apply. Individuals who require in-person assistance are welcome to visit our lobby, located at 161 NW Adams Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124, during our work hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sign up for the newsletter to be notified of new properties taking applications or other news. You can also create an applicant account to receive e-mail notification of new opportunities or updates.

For more information on the application process, please refer to the FAQs below.

For more about the Project-Based Voucher program and properties view the PBV information page.

FAQs

A zoned waitlist breaks down Washington County and its available properties into four regional zones: Forest Grove/Cornelius, Hillsboro, Beaverton/North of 26, and Tigard. You can apply to one, two, three, or all four of the zones..

Example: If you know that you only want to live in a certain area, like Hillsboro, because of your kids’ school, daycare, work, or community, then only select the Hillsboro zone. If you do not have a specific preference, apply to any or all.

A map of the different zones in Washington County

You can apply to more than one waitlist at this time.

The Housing Authority of Washington County currently has project-based units in over 37 properties and numerous public housing properties throughout the County. Typical Project-Based Vouchers and Public Housing tenants pay rent based on income. Preference is given to Extremely Low-Income households (at or below 30% of the Area Median Income, currently $20,300 for a 1-person household).

Every household that completes an application while the waiting list is open will be added to the waiting list. When the waitlist closes on November 10, 2025, all those who applied in the opening window will be randomized before being assigned a spot on the waiting list.

The housing authority will only accept online applications. Once there, select Applicant Login to access the Applicant portal. Only one application per household will be accepted.

Note that eligibility factors, such as income and family composition, will be reviewed once a family has been selected from the waitlist. Families requiring assistance with filling out the online application can call 503-846-4794 or receive help in our lobby during open office hours. Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

You can update your information at any time by logging into the portal and using the Update Contact Information quick link on the right side of the page.

To create an account and apply, you will only need an email address. This will be your username. Once you are on the applicant portal, select "Click here" to register. In order to complete your application, you will need the following information:

  • For each member of your household:
  • Name
  • Relationship to you
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number (if applicable)
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Monthly income for the household (including wage income, benefit income, disability benefits, child support, etc.).

Please note that there is no fee to apply for Housing Authority of Washington County assistance. If someone asks you for money to apply for housing, please report it to the housing authority.

No, you can use your current username. If you have forgotten your password, select 'Forgot Password' on the applicant portal.

A registration code is a code that is used by households already in the housing authority’s system to register for the portal. New applicants do not need a registration code and can click “I do NOT have a registration code” when registering.

If your household is currently in the housing authority’s database but you have not yet registered for the portal, you can call 503-846-4794 and leave a message. A representative from our workforce will contact you to provide your registration code.

Yes! Please refer to the following guide:

RENTCafé Registration and Login Guide (PDF 2.35 MB)

Once you submit your application, you will still be able to update your information, including income, family composition, and contact details. You can do this by logging back into the portal and using the “quick links” on the right side of the page. You can select either 'Update Contact Information' or 'Update Application'.

No. However, you will need to supply a valid mailing address. If you are placed on the list, we will mail you the necessary forms if and when your household is selected.

At the end of the application process, you will see a message indicating that your application has been submitted. The bar along the top will indicate that your application is 100% complete, and the message will provide you with a reference number, confirming that you have successfully submitted your application.

Yes! If you are selected for the waitlist, you can log back into the portal at any time to check your waitlist status. Using the “quick links” on the right side of the page, select “Check waiting list status” and click Go.

When the Housing Authority ‘pulls’ off the waitlist to fill a unit or units, you will be informed that you have been selected via an email notification through the portal and a letter in the mail to sign on to the portal to complete the application. This is why it is important to ensure you update the portal with any changes in your contact information so we can connect with its time. If you do not respond to our notices, you will be removed from the waitlist and will have to re-apply.

Requests for special accommodations should be made as soon as possible, as the application window may not be extended. Email the housing authority at [email protected], call 503-846-3790, or visit our office at 161 NW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR, 97124 during normal business hours.

Yes! Please see below:

You can apply using any computer, smartphone, or internet-enabled device. Computer stations have been set up in the first-floor lobby of the Department of Housing Services/Housing Authority of Washington County. Also, all Washington County library locations have computers with internet access available to the public. Please check with your local library for the latest information on services and access. Information on library hours and locations is available online at www.wccls.org.

Additionally, housing authority staff will be available to answer questions and assist with submitting online applications. Applicants unable to apply online should contact the housing authority by phone or in person to request assistance.

The application will be available in multiple languages online. Individuals requiring translation assistance or other accommodations should contact the housing authority to request support. The portal includes a selection tool that allows you to change the language if needed.

In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the area median income for the County or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. However, it should be noted that most properties with PBV units require applicants to be “Extremely Low Income” or have incomes not exceeding 30% of the area median income. “Extremely Low-income” means your annual gross income (income received before any taxes or withholdings are taken out) is at or below the amount in the table below.

HUD Income Limits 5/1/2026

Other than income, applicants must either be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, who are as follows:-

  • Permanent resident status (green card holder)
  • Temporary resident status (does not include student visas)
  • Been granted refugee or asylum status by the Department of Homeland Security
  • Been granted conditional entry before April 1, 1980
  • Been lawfully present due to an exercise of discretion by the Attorney General for emergent reasons or reasons deemed strictly in the public interest
  • Been lawfully present due to the Attorney General withholding deportation due to a threat to life or freedom

We do not have a waitlist numbering system that is shared with the public. However, we can provide information on your waitlist status, including what waitlists you are currently on and if you have been selected. You can confirm your waitlist status on the Portal using the “quick links” on the right side of the page, select “Check waiting list status” and click Go.