City of Tyler opens housing voucher applications

TYLER — Beginning Tuesday, June 24, at 7 a.m., Neighborhood Services will reopen its Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List for the first time since the pandemic. Applications will be accepted online only through 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, allowing eligible applicants to access housing assistance.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s primary tool for helping low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities afford safe, decent homes in the private rental market. Accepted applicants may use the assistance to lease single-family homes, apartments, or townhomes, not limited to public housing units.

“Access to housing is foundational. It is what helps families build stability and move forward,” said Prentice Butler, Housing Manager for the City of Tyler. “Reopening this list gives our residents a fair shot at finding a safe place to live and thrive.”

Neighborhood Services is partnering with Tyler Parks and Recreation to offer on-site application support for those without internet access. During the application window, computers and assistance will be available at the Rose Garden Center (420 Rose Park Dr.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The application process is entirely online. Priority will be given to elderly or disabled individuals and honorably discharged veterans who provide appropriate documentation. All applicants must have or create an email address to apply.

Due to limited funding, the City will use a computer-generated random selection process to select 2,000 applicants for the waiting list. Selection is not based on when someone applies during the open window, so all eligible applicants have an equal chance.

Applicants needing assistance due to disability may request a reasonable accommodation by calling (903) 531-1303. After the application period closes, status updates will be available online starting Monday, June 30.