Houston Housing Authority opens voucher waitlist

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the first time in four years, the Houston Housing Authority has opened a waitlist for its housing voucher program.

Applications can head to getonthehhalist.com to apply.

The HHA warns, however, that cybercriminals may try to set up fake websites to lure people fill out voucher applications.

The best thing to do is to go directly to the official application website. Type it in your browser -- don't Google it.

Although more than 85,000 people expected to apply, only about 30,000 will be randomly chosen to get on the official voucher program wait list.

"The most important thing is it doesn't matter what time you apply during the week. It is not a first come first serve. You apply any time during the week. It's entirely online. It's at your convenience. So don't miss work. Do it after work. Do it in your PJs in the evening," says HHA VP Mark Thiele.

Applicants cannot apply in person at an HHA office. The application is only available online through September 25th.

The voucher program pays for all or a portion of rent for those who qualify.