[JoeS21]

I keep hearing stories about people getting into public housing in 3 weeks. How is that possible? I just filled out an online "pre-application" that said it wouldnt' be reviewed until August.

[Rose76]

People who apply are prioritized based on various criteria. Having a disability or being elderly can shorten the wait time.

In my community, families with children and persons with a history of mental illness combined with chronic homelessness are often given vouchers to stay at motels that have a contract with the local housing authority. That's pretty expensive for the community, so I would think those persons would be prioritized in being on line for public housing units, as they become available.

In my region of the country, there is a lot of low cost housing and the population is not real dense, but I've not heard of people getting into public housing in three weeks. I'ld be skeptical of that being something that happens except rarely.

The following link mentions that preference is shown to people made homeless by natural disaster or fire and to persons fleeing domestic violence.

Priorities and Preferences - MassLegalHelp