ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the first time since 2019, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, has opened its wait list for applications.

However, with 25,000 people applying in the Greater Rochester area, only a fraction will be accepted. Only 4,000 people will make the cut, less than 20%.

The day that the voucher program opened on Thursday, problems came up. The Rochester Housing Authority says about a half hour after online applications opened at noon, people started having issues with accessing the website.

After that, the housing authority found a workaround and posted this link to apply directly. Applications are open 24/7 through June 7 at 4 p.m.

At a news conference on Tuesday, officials with the Rochester Housing Authority said they understand the great need for housing assistance. The program typically only opens its wait list every three to four years.

RHA leaders say the Housing Choice Voucher Program provides essential housing assistance to people in need in Rochester and the surrounding counties. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello acknowledged that as home and rent prices rise, many families are struggling, making the opening of the wait list critical.

When asked what his message is to the 21,000 people who didn’t make the wait list, RHA Executive Director Shawn Burr said, “Well, there are other programs that they can apply for. There are project-based voucher programs throughout the community — there are state ran programs– but check our website for some opportunities there. and community partners that we partner with.”

You can visit the RHA website for more information here. Rochester City Council President Miguel Melendez said the program is a great opportunity.

“Don’t sleep on this. This program allows greater access to housing,” he said.

A local mother of four was on the wait list for three years. Yalitaza Galan has lived in Section 8 housing for six years. Although she is very thankful and believes it’s a good program, she says in her experience, Section 8 tenants are looked at and treated poorly.

“Basically they treat you as if they see Section 8 and they see the scum of the world. They see Section 8 and they are like, ‘oh yeah, bottom feeders,’ and that’s far from the truth. Here I am a mother of four. having to have this help, not because I’m not a hardworking mom or I’m a statistic — no, it’s because the system is at a level of increase to the point where the average family doesn’t stand a chance,” Galan said.

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