Housing Works, the Public Housing Authority (PHA) serving Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties in Central Oregon, has announced plans to open its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program waiting list for 2026. For low-income renters in the Bend area and surrounding communities, this represents a meaningful — and time-sensitive — opportunity to apply for one of the most impactful federal rental assistance programs available.

What Is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and locally by PHAs like Housing Works, is the federal government's largest rental assistance program for low-income individuals and families. Rather than placing participants in specific housing developments, HCV vouchers allow eligible households to find their own privately owned rental housing — apartments, townhomes, or single-family homes — that meets HUD's health and safety standards.

Once a household receives a voucher and secures an eligible unit, the housing authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. The participating household generally contributes approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, with the voucher covering the remainder up to the local payment standard set by the housing authority.

Who May Qualify?

To be considered for the Housing Choice Voucher Program through Housing Works or any other PHA, applicants generally must meet the following baseline federal criteria:

  • Income limits: Total household income must fall at or below limits set by HUD, which are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the specific county. Most vouchers are targeted to households earning at or below 50% of AMI, and federal law requires that 75% of new vouchers go to households at or below 30% of AMI. In high-cost areas like Deschutes County, these income thresholds may be higher in dollar terms but remain competitive given local housing costs.
  • Citizenship or eligible immigration status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or hold qualifying immigration status. Assistance is prorated for mixed-status households.
  • Background screening: PHAs may screen applicants based on criminal history and prior rental records. Specific screening criteria vary by housing authority.
  • Family composition: The program is open to families, elderly individuals (62 or older), and people with disabilities, among other household types.

Applicants who are placed on the waiting list are not guaranteed a voucher. Selection from the waiting list may be by lottery, date and time of application, or preference categories — such as households experiencing homelessness or veterans — depending on the PHA's local policies.

How the Waiting List Process Works

When Housing Works opens its HCV waiting list, there will likely be a defined application window — potentially just a few days — during which households may submit applications. Given the acute housing shortage in Central Oregon, demand is expected to significantly exceed available slots.

Once the list closes, Housing Works will process applications and notify households of their status. Placement on the waiting list does not guarantee timely assistance; households may wait months or years before a voucher becomes available, depending on funding levels and turnover.

Applicants should: - Monitor Housing Works' official website and local announcements closely for the exact opening date and application instructions. - Gather documentation in advance, including proof of income, identification for all household members, and Social Security numbers. - Ensure contact information is kept current with the housing authority while on the list. - Respond promptly to any communications from Housing Works, as failure to respond can result in removal from the list.

Why This Matters in Central Oregon

Bend and the surrounding Central Oregon region have experienced some of the sharpest rent increases in the Pacific Northwest over the past decade. Rental vacancy rates have remained persistently low, and the gap between incomes and housing costs has widened for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals with disabilities. The HCV program, when a voucher is secured, can provide long-term housing stability by anchoring a household's rent contribution to their income rather than market rates.

For households not currently in the Housing Works service area, the HUD HCV program is administered by hundreds of PHAs across Oregon and the nation. Eligibility rules at the federal level are consistent, but local payment standards, preferences, and list availability vary. Oregon residents in other parts of the state should contact their county or city housing authority directly.

State Variation Disclaimer

Housing Choice Voucher Program rules, income limits, payment standards, and waiting list procedures vary by state, county, and individual Public Housing Authority. The information in this article reflects federal program guidelines and publicly available details about Housing Works' anticipated 2026 waiting list opening. Requirements, timelines, and availability are subject to change. Readers should contact Housing Works or their local PHA directly to obtain the most current and location-specific information before applying.