How many low income apartments are in Gardner, MA?

HUD administrative data tracks 8 subsidized properties in Gardner with approximately 876 assisted units across project-based Section 8, public housing, LIHTC and §202/§811 programs.

What is the average rent in subsidized housing in Gardner?

Tenant-paid rents in Gardner's assisted buildings typically range from about $479 to $515 monthly, depending on program and bedroom size. Voucher holders generally pay close to 30% of their own income instead.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Gardner?

Two routes: (1) apply directly to each subsidized building — they manage their own waitlists; (2) join your regional housing authority's Housing Choice Voucher waitlist when open. Our step-by-step guide walks through documents and timing.

What rent will a Section 8 voucher cover in Gardner?

Payment standards track HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for Worcester County: about $1,599/mo for one-bedroom and $2,056/mo for two-bedroom units (gross rent incl. utilities). You pay roughly 30% of income toward the remainder.

Low Income & Subsidized Housing in Gardner, MA

There are 8 subsidized and income-restricted properties in Gardner with roughly 876 assisted units — including 3 project-based Section 8 buildings, 0 public housing developments, and 5 LIHTC tax-credit communities, according to HUD administrative data. Reported tenant-paid rents across these buildings range from about $479 to $515 per month.

assisted properties

876

subsidized units

$497

typical rent

—

median wait

Map of subsidized housing in Gardner

Complete directory of subsidized housing in Gardner

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Olde English Village LIHTC	200	—	—
Olde English Village PB Section 8	196	$479	—
Heywood Wakefield Place 1 LIHTC	175	—	—
Binnall House PB Section 8	133	$515	—
Heywood Wakefield Place 3 LIHTC	78	—	—
Heywood Wakefield 4 LIHTC	55	—	—
Colonial Apts LIHTC	31	—	—
Catherine Street 35 PB Section 8	8	—	—

Section 8 apartments in Gardner (project-based)

These buildings carry HUD Section 8 contracts attached to the units — apply at each management office rather than through the voucher waitlist. How project-based Section 8 works →

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Olde English Village PB Section 8	196	$479	—
Binnall House PB Section 8	133	$515	—
Catherine Street 35 PB Section 8	8	—	—

LIHTC & affordable tax-credit apartments in Gardner

Tax-credit units rent below market rate for households within income bands (often 30–60% of Area Median Income). Understanding LIHTC →

Property	Units	Avg rent	Reported wait
Olde English Village LIHTC	200	—	—
Heywood Wakefield Place 1 LIHTC	175	—	—
Heywood Wakefield Place 3 LIHTC	78	—	—
Heywood Wakefield 4 LIHTC	55	—	—
Colonial Apts LIHTC	31	—	—

Voucher rent limits: Worcester County Fair Market Rents

Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in this area derive from HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Worcester County: studio $1,588, 1-BR $1,599, 2-BR $2,056, 3-BR $2,548, 4-BR $2,825.

Full FMR table for Worcester County →

How to apply for subsidized housing in Gardner

Apply to buildings directly. Project-based Section 8, public housing, §202/§811 and LIHTC properties run their own waitlists — contact each office using the details on its page.
Join voucher waitlists. Your regional housing authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers; ask about current openings and preferences. Step-by-step application guide →
Document everything. ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and income proof speed up both paths.
Stay reachable. Update your address everywhere — missed mail is the top reason applicants lose spots.

Nearby cities with low income housing

Data: HUD Picture of Subsidized Households & LIHTC database (2024 vintage). Figures are administrative averages — confirm current availability with each property.