New Rochelle Opens Section 8 Waitlist For First Time Since 2020

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle has opened its Section 8 waiting list to eligible program applicants for the first time since 2020.

Online applications will be accepted until Monday, June 17 at 4 p.m.

The Section 8 Program serves cost-burdened families by offsetting their rents with a Housing Choice Voucher through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

As new affordable housing units become available, the Section 8 program will allow current and future New Rochelle residents to pursue new housing opportunities at a reduced cost. There are currently 760 individuals and families in New Rochelle's Section 8 program.

"As affordability continues to be a significant concern throughout the NYC region, suburbs like New Rochelle are rapidly expanding their housing supply and creating resources to support new and current residents," New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said. "To meet this growing demand, New Rochelle has already introduced nearly 600 new affordable housing units to the market this year. Opening the Section 8 waitlist signifies our commitment to providing a direct channel to affordable housing opportunities, empowering families to build stable futures, and fostering a community where everyone has a chance to thrive."

The federally subsidized program provides rental assistance to local families that are either very low income, elderly (age 62+), or disabled. A preference will be given to New Rochelle residents and veterans in these categories. Applicants will be selected through a lottery for placement on the Section 8 waiting list.

During the application period, New Rochelle is staffing walk-in application assistance sessions in both English and Spanish, at locations with free computer access around the city.

"One of our City’s main goals is to build pathways to generational wealth and security for our community, which is why we’ve extended the Section 8 application period to account for the diverse schedules and time demands of work, school, caregiving, and other commitments," Acting City Manager Wilfredo Melendez said. "In line with this objective, we intensified our affordable housing program outreach efforts, forging thoughtful partnerships with developers, nonprofits, local schools, and churches to offer a diverse range of assistance programs, ensuring residents have the information needed to understand the Section 8 Program and the application process."

Applications should be submitted online here. Applications will not be available at New Rochelle City Hall or at agency locations, and fax requests will not be accepted.

Local property owners are also encouraged to attend a forum on June 24, for information on renting to Section 8 voucher holders. The event will be held from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 1 Radisson Plaza, 7th Floor, Five Island Suite, Hotel Noma, in New Rochelle.

More information and a calendar of information sessions and application assistance sessions is available here.