What the El Paso Housing Authority does

The El Paso Housing Authority (EPHA) is a public agency that runs public housing, rental information programs, and housing support services in El Paso County. It does not build or own all housing in the area — it manages specific properties and administers federal funding that helps low-income households pay rent. If you live in El Paso and need affordable housing or rental help, EPHA is usually the first place to check because it controls the largest pool of subsidized units and programs in the region.

EPHA operates under federal rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs it runs, the income limits it uses, and the way it processes requests all follow a national framework, though EPHA makes decisions about how to prioritize applicants and manage its waiting lists locally.

Key Takeaways

  • EPHA manages public housing units and administers voucher programs that help tenants pay rent to private landlords, but it does not own all affordable housing in El Paso.
  • Most EPHA programs have waiting lists, and some lists are closed when funding is fully committed; you can call to ask the current status before visiting in person.
  • Your household income must fall below a specific limit to be considered, and EPHA will ask for proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and rental history.
  • EPHA's main office is located in El Paso, and you can reach it by phone or visit in person to ask about current openings and what documents you need.
  • If EPHA's programs are full, other nonprofits and local agencies in El Paso may offer rental help or housing counseling.

EPHA's main programs and what they cover

Public Housing consists of apartments and homes owned and managed directly by EPHA. You pay rent based on your household income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. EPHA maintains the buildings and handles repairs. Public housing units are scattered throughout El Paso, and availability depends on turnover.

Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8) are the largest program EPHA runs. The agency gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent at a private apartment or house. You find the unit yourself, the landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and EPHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. This program gives you more choice in where to live than public housing, but landlords must agree to participate.

Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific buildings rather than to you. If you move into one of these properties, the subsidy stays with the unit. EPHA also runs Family Self-Sufficiency programs that pair housing information with job training and financial counseling to help households become independent of subsidies over time.

Income limits and who can be considered

EPHA sets income limits based on the area median income for El Paso County. These limits change yearly and vary by household size. A single person might have a different limit than a family of four. You must provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove your income. If you are unemployed, EPHA may ask for bank statements or documentation of benefits.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. EPHA will ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and may verify your status through federal databases. If you have an eviction record or owe money to a previous landlord, EPHA may deny you, though policies vary and some programs consider circumstances.

EPHA also checks your rental history and criminal background. A recent eviction or felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but EPHA will review the details. If you have questions about whether your situation will affect your standing, call EPHA directly — they can give you a straight answer before you invest time in paperwork.

How to contact EPHA and what to bring

The El Paso Housing Authority's main office is located at 4840 Alberta Avenue, El Paso, TX 79905. You can call them at (915) 533-5700 to ask about current waiting list status, program details, and what documents you need. Many programs have waiting lists that open and close based on funding, so calling first saves a trip if a list is currently closed.

When you visit or call, have ready: a government-issued ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), Social Security number or ITIN, and a list of previous addresses and landlords for the past two years. If you are explore for a voucher program, you will also need to show that you have a valid rental history or explain any gaps.

EPHA's office hours and process procedures may change, so call ahead to confirm when they are open and whether you need an appointment. Some services may be available online or by mail, depending on the program.

Waiting lists and how long approval takes

Most EPHA programs operate waiting lists because demand exceeds available funding. When you explore, EPHA adds you to the list in the order your process is complete. How long you wait depends on the program — public housing and voucher programs can have waits of months or years in El Paso, while some smaller programs move faster.

EPHA prioritizes certain households, such as those experiencing homelessness, veterans, or people with disabilities, so your position on the list may move up if you fall into a priority category. Ask EPHA whether your situation qualifies for priority placement when you explore.

Once EPHA reaches your name on the list and contacts you, you typically have a set number of days to complete your process and provide final documents. If you miss the important date, you may be skipped and have to reapply. Keep your contact information current with EPHA so they can reach you.

What happens after you are approved

If you are approved for public housing, EPHA will show you available units and you choose one that fits your needs and budget. You sign a lease with EPHA, and they become your landlord. You pay rent monthly based on your income, and EPHA handles maintenance and repairs.

If you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, EPHA issues you a voucher packet and gives you a important date to find a unit. You search for apartments or houses on your own, negotiate with the landlord, and once you have a lease, EPHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical systems, and safety. If the unit passes, EPHA signs the lease with the landlord and you move in.

After you move in, EPHA conducts an annual recertification. You report any changes in income, household size, or employment, and EPHA recalculates your rent contribution. If your income rises, your rent may increase. If it falls, your rent decreases. This recertification keeps the program running fairly and ensures subsidies go to those who need them most.

Other resources if EPHA programs are full

If EPHA's waiting lists are closed or you do not meet the income limits, other organizations in El Paso offer housing help. The Community Action Agency of El Paso, local nonprofits, and the City of El Paso's housing department may have emergency rental information, down payment help, or housing counseling. 211 Texas (dial 211 or visit 211texas.org) can connect you to local programs based on your situation.

Some employers, unions, and faith-based organizations also offer housing support or can refer you to resources. If you are facing eviction, legal aid organizations in El Paso provide free or low-cost representation and may help you negotiate with your landlord or explore alternatives to eviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if EPHA's waiting list is open?

Call EPHA at (915) 533-5700 and ask whether the program you are interested in is currently taking applications. Waiting lists open and close based on funding and turnover, so the status changes throughout the year. Calling first tells you whether to explore now or check back later.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

EPHA reviews each case individually. A past eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but EPHA will consider the details, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since. Call EPHA to discuss your specific situation before explore — they can tell you whether you are likely to be considered.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher at any apartment?

No. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and the unit must pass EPHA's housing quality inspection. Not all landlords participate in the program. When you find a unit, the landlord can contact EPHA to learn about the program, but they are not required to say yes.

What if my income changes after I move in?

Report the change to EPHA during your annual recertification or as soon as it happens. If your income rises, your rent contribution may increase. If it drops, your rent decreases. EPHA uses your current income to calculate what you owe, so keeping them informed protects you from overpaying or underpaying.

Does EPHA help with utilities or other housing costs?

EPHA's main programs cover rent only. Some public housing units include utilities in the rent, but voucher programs do not. If you need help with utilities, heating, or other costs, ask EPHA staff about local utility information programs or contact 211 Texas for referrals.