How Long is Kansas City Section 8 Waiting List?
Mortgage rates are high, rent prices are rising, and the standard of living is making it hard to, well, live – as ironic as it sounds. And while the minimum wage is, in fact, increasing, it isn’t quite increasing enough.
I don’t know about you, but that right there is a recipe for disaster.
And it’s the reason why so many people are struggling right now.
The good news is there are programs out there – such as the housing choice voucher program (also known as Section 8) – ready to help low-income families find affordable housing opportunities in the city.
But don’t get yourself too excited.
The bad news is not everyone qualifies for Section 8 housing, and those that do qualify often have to wait. But don’t worry – we’ll teach you everything you need to know about applying and waiting for Section 8.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
According to the Housing Authority of Kansas City (HAKC), the housing choice voucher program is a rental and housing assistance initiative that was signed into law in 1974 as Section 8 of the United States Housing Act.
It helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs) – such as the HAKC – across the country.
Without Section 8, millions of families would be homeless or living in less-than-favorable conditions.
By law, local housing agencies must provide 75% of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the median income in the area, and the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the area’s median income.
How Long is the Section 8 Waiting List in Kansas City?
Those who qualify for a voucher are placed on a waiting list according to application date, time, and local preference claimed. Different cities have different waiting times depending on supply and demand.
The estimated waiting time depends upon the program.
According to the HAKC, the average wait time for Section 8 voucher assistance is between one and three years. If you decide to be placed on the Public Housing waiting list, the average wait time is 6-18 months.
Wait times in Kansas City generally fall in line with the national averages.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), only 17% of Americans who receive a voucher have to wait less than one year – while 75% of Americans receive their voucher in 1-5 years.
How Many People Are Currently Wait-Listed in KC?
In November 2021, an estimated 7,500 individuals and families were wait-listed for housing vouchers and another 5,000 were wait-listed for Section 8 Housing – according to the Housing Authority of Kansas City.
By February 2023, those numbers had more than doubled.
Today, more than 18,500 Kansas Citians are wait-listed for housing choice vouchers and 10,000 for Section 8 vouchers. As these numbers continue to rise, families will have to wait longer and longer for a voucher.
Experts contribute the sudden increase to a number of factors, including:
- Those who are wait-listed are unable to find other solutions.
- Kansas City has a lack of available one bedroom and studio apartments
- A majority of those on both housing agency waiting lists are single individuals
- Most of the recent residential development in KC has been senior and family housing
- A greater need for low-income public housing among non-elderly individuals with no disabilities
Kansas City is currently experiencing an influx of applicants – so much that the city’s resources are being drained right in front of our eyes. While more people need assistance, not enough assistance is available.
Eligibility Requirements for Section 8 Vouchers
A Section 8 housing voucher is only available to those who fall in the ‘very low income’ category – which the HUD defines as ‘an annual income that does not exceed 50% of the area median income.’
Eligibility is also determined by the number of approved family members, as shown below:
- One person – $35,900
- Two people – $41,000
- Three people – $46,150
- Four people – $51,250
- Five people – $55,350
Eligible families should also not have any violence or drug charges within the last 3 years, not have been evicted from any Federally Funded Program within 3 years, and not owe any Housing Authority money.
So, how do you apply for Section 8 housing in Kansas City?
The application process is actually rather simple, and can be completed online or in-person at your local PHA. For those living in the Kansas City Metro area, visit the Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri.
As of 2023, the HAKC has moved to 3822 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.
They accept applications from anyone who’s at least 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor under State Law. Once the application is submitted, you’ll be placed on the waiting list – and then you’ll wait.
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