Section 8 applications now online

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Local housing officials are making changes to overnight waits and long lines just to get on a waiting list.

There is a new way to fill out initial Section 8 housing applications. The forms are just to get on the waiting list.

The Grand Rapids Housing Commission is putting the process online at GRHCApplication.org. You can call the Housing Commission at (616) 235-2646 for more information.

The commission says you can only fill out this first step online or by phone. There are no more paper applications for this part of the process. And after that, it is up to chance. The GRHC will randomly draw 3,000 names out of this pool by computer to make up the waiting list.

Officials are trying to avoid long lines like the ones in Kentwood in August, in which 3,100 people showed up. Some camped out all night and waited during the day.

Today around nine thousand applications came in, and after being placed on the waiting list it could take up to four or five years to actually get the vouchers.

Section 8 is a federal program helps people with low incomes to make up the difference between what they make and the cost of housing.