STEELTON, Pa. — On Tuesday, the Dauphin County Housing Authority opened up its Section 8 Lottery Wait List, and hundreds of applicants are trying to get in line for a chance at affordable housing.
“We want to do everything we can to make as many units or vouchers available as possible," said Leah Eppinger, the executive director of the Dauphin County Housing Authority.
This week marks the first time the Dauphin County Housing Authority has opened up its waitlist since 2009. People on the wait list who meet the eligibility requirements will be given a housing voucher to find a place to stay.
The housing organization projects around 4,000 people will be applying to be on the waitlist. Eppinger said there are only 1,000 spots available.
“With inflation and things becoming more difficult in order to make ends meet, affordable housing is even more critical now than it’s ever been in the recent past," said Eppinger.
Darrel Reinford, the executive director of Christian Churches United, said the wait list opening could give people struggling with homelessness a chance at stable housing. He added that the organization will work with eligible clients to steer them toward the program.
“When the list isn’t open, there’s really a lack of hope for folks who may be looking for that," said Reinford. "With the list opened up, that provides an opportunity for folks who are struggling.”
Eppinger said she’s working with landlords to help get more units available so that people can be placed into stable housing.
“It’s really important that we continue to be a positive impact on our community, so that we can continue implementing the program," said Eppinger.
More information on applying can be found on the Dauphin County Housing Authority's website. The window for the lottery wait list will close on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.