Published October 7, 2026
As of October 2026, all tracked waitlists at the Housing Authority & Community Services of Lane Co (HACSA) remained closed to new applications. The agency continued serving existing applicants from the 2022 Section 8 waitlist, while some public housing units accepted referrals via the Lane County Centralized Waitlist.
Securing a stable place to live is a primary concern for many residents in the Willamette Valley. Throughout 2026, the status of Lane County Housing options remained tight, with the primary public agency managing a significant backlog of applicants. For those tracking the availability of vouchers and public units, the year was characterized by a lack of new openings and a slow progression through existing lists.
2026 Status of Lane County Housing Waitlists
As of October 7, 2026, the tracked waiting lists at the Housing Authority & Community Services of Lane Co (HACSA) remained closed. This means that no new applications were accepted for the primary programs throughout the year. While residents often check for seasonal openings, the data confirms that the agency did not announce any new application windows for the 2026 calendar year.
It is important to note that while HACSA manages these units, specific 2026 reopening dates for the closed lists were not announced in the available data. This creates a challenging environment for newcomers or those whose housing situations have recently changed, as they must rely on existing referral systems rather than direct applications.
HACSA Programs and Unit Management
The Housing Authority & Community Services of Lane Co serves as the primary public housing agency for the region. Operating under HUD agency code OR006, the organization manages a diverse portfolio of assistance designed to reduce the burden of rent for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
The scale of their management is substantial, overseeing 595 public housing units and administering 3,490 Housing Choice Vouchers. These programs are the backbone of the local safety net, though the demand far exceeds the available supply, leading to the prolonged closure of the waiting lists.
Section 8 and Project-Based Voucher Updates
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is one of the most sought-after resources in the county. Throughout 2026, this list remained closed to new applicants. The agency continued to process the existing list from 2022, specifically serving numbers 59 through 147 during this period.
Wait times for these vouchers are influenced by attrition and local preferences, which can move some applicants forward more quickly than others. Similarly, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlists, which are tied to specific properties rather than the tenant, remained closed with no announced dates for reopening.
Affordable Housing Property Recaps
Several specific affordable housing properties managed or tracked by the agency maintained closed lists throughout 2026. These properties often provide critical stability for residents, but entry is currently limited to those already on the lists.
- Abbie Lane Courts
- Fourteen Pines
- Firwood Apartments
- Village Oaks
- Legion Cottages
For these specific locations, the last window for applications occurred between July 26, 2022, and August 9, 2022. Because these lists have not reopened, only those who applied during that brief 2022 window are currently being considered for vacancies.
The Lane County Centralized Waitlist Process
While direct applications to HACSA were closed, some public housing properties still accept referrals through the Lane County Centralized Waitlist. This system acts as a hub to coordinate housing needs across different providers, prioritizing individuals based on assessment scores and specific eligibility factors.
Priority is typically given based on income levels, age, disability status, and citizenship. A critical component of this process is the Front Door Assessment. To maintain a position on this list, applicants must renew their assessment every six months. This can be done by calling 541-682-3755 or 211, or by emailing [email protected]. Failure to renew the assessment results in the applicant being removed from the list.
Eligibility and Fair Market Rent Standards
Eligibility for these programs is strictly tied to income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the HUD FY2025 income limits provide the benchmark for qualification.
For a four-person household, the limits are as follows:
- Very Low Income: At or below $45,850 per year.
- Low Income: At or below $73,350 per year.
Most HACSA waitlists apply the Very Low Income threshold for priority placement. Additionally, the agency uses Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures to determine voucher values. In Lane County, the FMR for various unit sizes was recorded as:
- Studio: $953
- 1 Bedroom: $1,063
- 2 Bedroom: $1,397
- 3 Bedroom: $1,969
- 4 Bedroom: $2,371
Local Housing Examples: Eugene Units
A concrete example of the public housing managed under this system is the Eugene Units property located at 2858 Matt Dr, Eugene, OR 97408. This small development contains two units, both of which are fully accessible. While the public housing waitlist for this specific site is managed by HACSA and remained closed in 2026, it represents the type of specialized, accessible housing available in the city.
Records indicate that Eugene Units had a HUD Inspection Score of 78, categorized as Fair, following an inspection in December 2017. For those seeking such units, applications are typically handled via the Centralized Waitlist referrals, phone, or email, though the primary list remained closed as of the last verification in February 2026.
Navigating Local Resources and Transit
Housing stability is closely linked to the ability to access jobs, healthcare, and groceries. For residents in affordable housing units, which may be located away from the city center, reliable transportation is essential. It is highly recommended that residents track LTD service changes to ensure their commute remains viable as schedules shift between seasons.
Beyond housing and transit, newcomers to the area should also stay updated on other local civic requirements to avoid fines or legal issues. For example, ensuring your pets are registered by learning how to apply for a Lane County dog license is a small but necessary part of settling into a new home in the region.
For those still searching for housing options or needing assistance with the application process, remember that local resources are often the best starting point. While the primary lists were closed in 2026, staying active with the Front Door Assessment remains the most viable path toward future placement in public housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were any HACSA waitlists open in 2026?
No, as of March 21, 2026, all five tracked waitlists at the agency were closed to new applications.
How does the Lane County Centralized Waitlist work?
Some public housing properties accept referrals from this list, which prioritizes applicants based on assessment scores and factors like income, age, and disability.
What are the income limits for affordable housing in Eugene?
For a four-person household, Very Low Income is defined as $45,850 or less per year, and Low Income is $73,350 or less per year.
How often must Front Door Assessments be renewed?
Assessments for the Lane County Centralized Waitlist must be renewed every six months to maintain placement.
Sources
For more information, see: