The Bloomington Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist has closed, after reaching over 2,200 applications.
The federal program—commonly known as Section Eight—helps qualifying residents afford housing by covering about 70% of their rent.
“We open the list every year or two, and once we get to around 2,000 applications, we close it again to avoid making people wait more than two years,” said Nathan Ferreira, executive director of the Housing Authority.
Applications remain open for victims of domestic or sexual violence. These applicants can qualify under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with a referral from a qualified service provider.
But local housing support may soon face deeper challenges. Ferreira said the proposed federal budget restructuring could slash housing voucher funding by 42% nationwide.
“If it passes, we would have to stop issuing new vouchers—and we may even have to revoke vouchers that people already have,” Ferreira said. “That would leave hundreds of Bloomington residents without critical housing support.”
The proposal is part of the federal budget reconciliation under consideration now, which could reshape how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates funding. Ferreira said local housing authorities across the country are watching the process closely, hoping for changes before it is finalized.
Residents can learn more or monitor updates at bhaindiana.net.
