Waitlist and Intake
What is the waitlist?
Most BHA Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs operate off a waitlist. To receive a voucher to help pay your rent, you must apply when the waitlist is open, and then wait until your name nears the top of the list. To prepare for the next waitlist opening, be sure to register for an account on RENTCafé.
How can I sign up for the waitlist?
Most of our programs operate off of a waitlist. Unfortunately, these waitlist(s) are not always open for applications. To stay apprised of when one will open, be sure to register for an account on RENTCafé.
Is the waitlist open right now?
Unfortunately, no, our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is not currently open as of June 2023. To stay apprised of when it opens, be sure to register for an account on RENTCafé.
Where am I on the waitlist (when will I get my voucher)?
BHA can only confirm whether or not you are on our waitlist, but we cannot give out numbers.
If you applied to a waitlist during an opening through RENTCafé, you can sign in to your account to view your application and keep your contact information and household information up-to-date.
It is also important to remember that getting on the waitlist does not automatically guarantee that you will receive a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Because waitlists are for long-term rental assistance, there is no way to tell how long you may end up waiting. Please continue to seek out services for your immediate needs if you need help right away. Contact Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) at (360) 377-0053 or visit KCR.org to inquire about possible short-term assistance.
How long is the waitlist?
Each waitlist is different, but much of the time, households could end up waiting between 2-4 years for their name to be pulled for the initial contact from BHA to verify eligibility for the program.
What is RENTCafé?
RENTCafé is an online portal where applicants create an account in order to get notified when a waitlist opens, and/or, once you’re actively signed up for a waitlist, to keep your information current to keep your spot on the list.
Click the link to register for an account on RENTCafé.
Why was I asked for paystubs, bank statements, and/or other things like Social Security cards?
To qualify your household for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance after you’ve reached the top of the waitlist, we are required to ensure that your household is eligible for the program. We are required to ensure that each household member over 18 is eligible for assistance, and that your household also meets a certain income threshold.
Without this necessary documentation and verification(s), we cannot determine eligibility. If we cannot determine eligibility for the program, we cannot move along in the process of ultimately issuing a voucher.
Why was I asked to provide fingerprints?
BHA is required to run a Criminal Background Check (CBC) on every person in the household who is 18 or older. Sometimes the CBC comes back with information that states a person will need an FBI background check. BHA will not know why, as this information is not shared with us.
For detailed instructions, please refer to the information provided by BHA when your fingerprints were requested.
ELIGIBILITY
Determining if you qualify for subsidized housing through one of BHA’s housing programs is fairly simple. The biggest factor involves household income, but we also consider whether you qualify as a family, a senior or a person with a qualifying disability. At least one family member must be a citizen, national, or noncitizen with eligible immigration status in order for the family to qualify for any level of assistance. The chart below lists the income levels based on household size.
HUD gives a priority to families in the extremely low category requiring BHA to offer 75% of new vouchers being issued to the lowest income families. Income eligibility is determined at the time the voucher is offered, not at the time a family is placed on the waitlist.
During the formal application stage, applicants will be required to present documents that verifyincome, employment, household composition, and will also be required to submit to a criminal background screening. Participants must be 18 or an emancipated adult to be eligible for assistance.
Eligible families will receive a voucher to begin searching for housing. Generally, families will pay no less than 30% and no more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income toward their rent and utility share. BHA pays the remaining amount to the property owner on the family’s behalf.
BHA News
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BHA is Now Accepting Referrals for Evergreen Bright Start
If you know a young adult who is exiting foster care, facing homelessness, or fleeing violence please reach out to The Coffee Oasis.
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Partners, Boards, Funders, and Elected Officials Join Together to Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for Evergreen Bright Start
On Monday, June 17, 2024, Bremerton Housing Authority hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the acquisition of Evergreen Bright Start, a new 30-unit apartment complex with on-site services designed to support young adults, ages 18-24, who are exiting foster care or facing homelessness. It was a beautiful celebration that highlighted how intentional partnerships with…
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June 10, 2024: Public Housing Conversion (RAD Update)
BHA is in the process of converting its Public Housing units to Section 8 voucher units through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Project. If you are interested in how this conversion will change BHA’s policies and procedures, please click here.
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BHA Partners with Local Agencies to Provide Access to Rental Assistance Through New Voucher Referral Program
On March 15, 2024, over 25 service providers joined Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA) to learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly known as Section 8) and the new partner referral program.
Events in August 2024
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July 29, 2024(1 event)
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August 22, 2024(1 event)
4:00 PM: Finance/CMS/Personnel Committee Meeting – |
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August 26, 2024(1 event)
5:30 PM: BHA Board Meeting – |
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