Seattle Housing Authority
Apply with Seattle Housing Authority
SHA runs the largest pool of subsidized housing and vouchers in Seattle. Most people applying for affordable housing in Seattle should be on at least one of these lists, even if they're also applying directly to buildings.
Most people should apply to both.
Public housing has a multi-year waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher is an open lottery — your name is randomly drawn whenever vouchers become available. They're separate programs with different mechanics, but most applicants benefit from being on both.
Apply for SHA public housing
Open continuously
SHA public housing applications are accepted year-round. You'll create an account, list everyone in your household, and choose which buildings you want to be on the waitlist for. Wait times typically exceed two years.
Apply here even if you also want a voucher — public housing is a separate, building-bound subsidy.
Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Open continuously
The Housing Choice Voucher is an open lottery. The application is accepted year-round; SHA randomly selects names whenever vouchers become available, so when you apply doesn't change your odds. Apply once and stay on the list — the wait can be years, but applying costs nothing and there's no penalty for waiting.
Apply here even if you're also on the public housing list — the voucher is portable, so it works anywhere that accepts it.
Already applied before?
Returning applicant? Sign in to the SHA portalIf you've already applied, use the portal to update your contact info, household, or income. Keeping your information current is required to stay on waitlists.
What is "Save My Spot"?
Once you're on an SHA waitlist, you must check in monthly to stay active — either through savemyspot.seattlehousing.org or by calling 206-256-7000. Miss a check-in and SHA may remove you from the list. Set a recurring monthly reminder when you apply.
Links go to seattlehousing.org. Emerald Housing is not affiliated with the Seattle Housing Authority.