Housing Authority of the County of Kern
Last updated August 2026
The Housing Authority of the County of Kern runs Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, and its own affordable housing communities. The catch: waiting lists open and close during the year, so step one is checking which lists are actually taking applications at kernha.org.
Vouchers are a waiting game with rules. You apply to a specific list while it's open, wait for your name to come up (often a long time), and then the Authority verifies income and household details before anything is issued. A Housing Choice Voucher travels with you to a private landlord, with the program paying a share of the rent. Project-Based Vouchers and the Authority's own communities attach the help to particular buildings instead.
Treat a submitted application like a live account. Keep your address and phone current with the Authority: when your name surfaces, the notice goes to whatever contact information they have, and a missed letter can cost a spot you waited years for. Questions go to (661) 631-8500.
Waiting lists don't stop evictions, so run short-term and long-term help in parallel. Catholic Charities handles emergency rent at (661) 281-2130. HUD Housing Counseling talks through every housing option free at 1-800-569-4287. And if a court summons has already arrived, GBLA defends evictions at no charge for low-income residents. You typically have only 5 business days to respond.
Phone (661) 631-8500
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Kern County residents
- Waiting lists vary by program; check the site for what is open now
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Kern County?
It depends on when you ask. Lists open and close by program throughout the year. Check kernha.org for what's accepting applications right now.
Who qualifies for Housing Authority programs?
Low-income Kern County residents. Each program screens separately, so being closed out of one list doesn't rule out another.
Every list is closed. What now?
Keep checking; lists reopen during the year. Meanwhile, dial 211 for rent help that doesn't run on a waiting list, or see the other housing programs below.
How long is the Section 8 wait in Kern County?
No number is posted, and honest answers run long: voucher lists move slowly everywhere. Apply to what's open, keep your contact info current, and work the faster programs in this category while you wait.
What's the difference between Section 8 and a Project-Based Voucher?
A Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher follows you to a private rental you choose; a Project-Based Voucher is tied to a specific building. Being on one list doesn't rule out the others. Check kernha.org for what's open.
What happens when my name comes up?
The Authority contacts you and verifies income and household details before issuing anything. That's why stale contact information is the expensive mistake. Update it whenever you move, at (661) 631-8500.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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