How the Colorado Springs Housing Authority Works and What It Administers

What the Colorado Springs Housing Authority does

The Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) is a public agency that runs public housing and the Section 8 voucher program in El Paso County. It does not build or own most of the housing it oversees — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income households, and it manages the public housing complexes it does own. CSHA is separate from the City of Colorado Springs government, though it serves the same area.

The agency administers two main programs: public housing (older apartment complexes and townhomes CSHA owns directly) and Housing Choice Vouchers, which let you rent from any landlord who accepts the program. Both require income verification and a lease. CSHA also runs some supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and households with disabilities.

Key Takeaways

CSHA runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers in El Paso County, but it is not the same as the City of Colorado Springs.
Public housing and vouchers both have waiting lists; the voucher list is typically longer and moves more slowly.
You must meet income limits (usually 50% to 80% of area median income) and pass a background check to be considered for either program.
CSHA's main office is at 1175 W. Moreno Avenue in Colorado Springs; you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about current waiting list status.
If you are homeless or have a disability, CSHA has separate programs with different rules and sometimes shorter waiting periods.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers at CSHA

Public housing means CSHA owns the building and you rent directly from the agency. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30% of what you earn), and CSHA covers the rest of the operating cost. Public housing units are older but maintained, and they are scattered across Colorado Springs — some are family complexes, some serve seniors, and some serve people with disabilities. CSHA has a waiting list for public housing, but it is usually shorter than the voucher list.

A Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) means CSHA gives you a voucher worth a set amount of money each month, and you find your own apartment from any landlord who will accept the program. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Vouchers give you more choice of where to live, but the waiting list is longer — sometimes years — and landlords are not required to participate. If you receive a voucher, you must find a unit within a set timeframe (usually 60 to 120 days) or lose it.

Income limits and who can be considered

CSHA sets income limits based on the area median income for El Paso County. For public housing, the limit is typically 80% of area median income. For vouchers, it is usually 50% of area median income, though CSHA can admit up to 75% of applicants at higher income levels. A household of four in Colorado Springs would need to earn roughly $50,000 to $65,000 per year or less, depending on the program and the current year's limits — these numbers change annually, so contact CSHA directly for the exact figure.

You must also pass a background check. CSHA will deny you for violent felonies, drug manufacturing, or sex offenses. Other criminal history is reviewed case by case. If you owe money to a previous housing authority or have been evicted for lease violations, you may be denied. Unpaid utility bills or bad credit alone do not disqualify you, but CSHA may require a co-signer or a larger security deposit.

How to get on the waiting list

You explore in person at CSHA's main office at 1175 W. Moreno Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in El Paso County (utility bill or lease). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of benefits or a letter explaining your situation. You can also call CSHA at (719) 385-5975 to ask whether the waiting list is currently open — many housing authorities close their lists when they are full.

Once you explore, CSHA will place you on the waiting list in the order your process is received. The agency does not rank applicants by need or urgency; it is first-come, first-served. You will receive a letter confirming your process and your position on the list. CSHA will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, which can take months or years depending on the program and how many people are ahead of you.

Waiting times and what to expect

Public housing waiting lists at CSHA typically move faster than voucher lists because there are fewer applicants. You might wait anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the type of unit you need (family, senior, accessible) and current turnover. Voucher waiting lists are much longer — often three to five years or more — because demand far exceeds the number of vouchers CSHA receives from the federal government.

While you are on the waiting list, you can update your contact information and household composition by calling CSHA. If you move out of El Paso County, you must notify CSHA or you will be removed from the list. Some housing authorities allow you to stay on the list if you move temporarily for work, but you must ask. When CSHA contacts you, you will have a limited time to respond and complete an interview — usually 10 business days. If you do not respond, you lose your place.

Special programs for people experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities

CSHA administers Housing First and rapid rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. These programs prioritize getting you into housing quickly, sometimes without the usual waiting list or income verification. You are usually referred to these programs through a homeless services provider or the Pikes Peak Homeless Commission, not by explore directly to CSHA. If you are homeless, contact the Colorado Springs Homeless Services Center or call 211 to find out which programs are currently taking referrals.

CSHA also has units and vouchers set aside for people with disabilities, including people with mobility impairments, sensory disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. Some of these units are in accessible buildings; others come with supportive services like case management. You can request a disability accommodation when you explore, and CSHA will consider it when a unit becomes available. If you need an accessible unit, mention this on your process and bring documentation of your disability (a letter from your doctor or a disability information letter from Social Security).

Rent and what you pay each month

In public housing, you pay 30% of your gross monthly income as rent, with a minimum of around $50 to $75 per month depending on CSHA policy. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income rises, your rent rises. CSHA will recalculate your rent once a year, and you can request an interim recalculation if your income changes significantly (job loss, new job, benefits ending).

With a Housing Choice Voucher, CSHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent (the voucher amount), and you pay the rest out of pocket. The voucher amount is set based on the fair market rent for your area and the size of unit you need. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If the apartment costs more, you pay the difference — CSHA will not cover overages. You are responsible for utilities unless the lease says otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open right now?

Call CSHA at (719) 385-5975 or visit the office at 1175 W. Moreno Avenue. The agency closes the waiting list when it reaches capacity and reopens it periodically. You can also check the CSHA website for updates, though calling is the fastest way to confirm current status.

Can I be on both the public housing and voucher waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can explore for both programs, and CSHA will place you on both waiting lists. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and ask to be removed from the other list, or you can decline and stay on both lists.

What happens if I get a voucher but cannot find an apartment in time?

CSHA gives you a set period — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a unit and have the landlord sign a lease. If you do not find one by the important date, the voucher is returned to CSHA and you lose it. You can request an extension in writing if you have a documented reason (disability, medical emergency), but extensions are not may provide.

Do I have to move out if my income goes above the limit?

No. Once you are in public housing or have a voucher, you can stay even if your income rises above the limit. However, your rent will increase as your income increases. Eventually, if your income is high enough, your rent may equal or exceed the market rent, at which point you may choose to move to unsubsidized housing.

What if I was denied by CSHA — can I appeal?

Yes. CSHA must give you a written reason for denial. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Contact CSHA's office to ask for the appeal process and important date — you usually have 10 to 14 days to request a hearing after receiving the denial letter.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.