Housing Choice Voucher Closing Wait List on May 15th
As of 5 pm on May 15, 2024, the Lumberton Housing Authority (HACL) Section 8 Voucher waiting lists will be closed and will not be accepting new applications. The HACL manages the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher program for all of Robeson County.
The best way to keep informed about our waiting lists is to check our website frequently.
Q: WHY HAS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CLOSED ITS WAITING LISTS?
A: As of April 1, 2024, the size of our waiting lists had increased to record numbers, with over 2,000 families waiting for a housing voucher. It will take us years to exhaust the current list of applicants already on our lists.
One way to help increase our waitlist opening periods is through the recruitment of more landlords in the Robeson County community. The more landlords that sign up with the HACL the more families that we are able to place a roof over their head.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE WAITING LISTS BE CLOSED?
A: We do not know how long the waiting lists will be closed. HACL may re-open waiting lists either partially or in full. The length of the closure will depend on several things including:
- The rate at which current program participants leave the program,
- Implementation and operation of new computer programs,
- Administrative capabilities,
- Fluctuations in the housing market, and
- Future redevelopment and/or repositioning plans from the Housing Authority.
Q: HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN THE WAITING LISTS RE-OPEN?
A: HACL will announce when the waiting list will reopen in the local newspapers, on our website, and on the front door of our offices. HACL will also notify service providers in the area to help reach those in need. The best way to keep informed about our waiting lists is to check our website frequently.
Q: WILL CLOSING THE WAITING LIST IMPACT RHA'S SERVICES?
A: HACL will continue housing families who are on the waiting lists as of 5 pm, May 15, 2024. Closing the waiting lists will not change this. The only change will be to the number of new applications accepted during the year. By limiting the amount of applications and families, HACL will be able to focus on its current families and applicants. This will allow staff to provide a higher level of customer care and service.
Q: WHAT IF I'M ALREADY ON THE WAITING LIST?
A: If you are already on the waiting list, you will not be impacted by the waiting list closure. Please don't forget to keep the Housing Authority informed of any changes to your contact information such as your mailing address. If the Housing Authority attempts to contact you and you do not respond, your application may be withdrawn. Please complete a Change of Status Form to report changes to your address and contact information, or to update your application.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE CURRENT WAIT TIME?
A: HACL is not able to estimate a specific wait time for individual applicants. However, we currently estimate a wait time of 1-3 years for Section 8. HACL will lower wait times through temporary and routine waiting list closures.
Q: HOW WILL AFFORDABLE HOUSING BE AFFECTED BY ROUTINE CLOSURES?
A: HACL will continue to operate the same number of affordable units and housing vouchers. Routine and temporary closures of waiting lists will not reduce the amount of affordable housing HACL is able to provide throughout Robeson County.
