Houston Housing Waitlist Shrinks by 90% After Update Deadline Passes

More than 16,600 applicants have been removed from the Houston Housing Authority’s (HHA) Housing Choice Voucher waitlist after failing to update their personal information during a required two-month period this spring. The long-standing waitlist, which last opened in 2016 and originally included around 30,000 people, had just over 18,000 names earlier this year. Today, fewer than 1,600 applicants remain, casting uncertainty over thousands of low-income households who had hoped for rental assistance.

The update process, part of a “save my spot” campaign launched in May and June, required applicants to enter updated household information on a new online portal. Though HHA said it undertook significant outreach, housing advocates like Taylor Laredo of Texas Housers are raising concerns about whether those efforts were sufficient. The drop in participation is stark when compared to a similar update campaign in December 2023, which received about 2,300 responses and resulted in no removals from the list. This time, however, those who didn’t respond were dropped, sparking confusion and frustration, as first reported by the Houston Public Media.

Sheila Drake, a disabled grandmother who has waited on the list since 2016, was nearly among those cut. She lacked transportation to visit HHA’s offices and missed the update window. Only after a news outlet intervened was she contacted and able to confirm her spot.
A spokesperson for HHA said that anyone who believes they were removed in error should call (713) 260-0500 during business hours. Callers should leave their full name, phone number, email, and mailing address. A waitlist administrator will respond to confirm whether the individual is “on list,” “withdrawn,” or was never on the list. If withdrawn, the case will be evaluated for possible reinstatement.