What the Housing Authority of El Paso does

The Housing Authority of El Paso (HAEP) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs for low-income residents in El Paso County. They manage public housing units, administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and handle emergency rental information when funding is available. If you need affordable housing or rental help, HAEP is the agency that decides whether you meet their requirements and processes your paperwork.

HAEP is separate from the City of El Paso government, though it receives federal funding and operates under HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) rules. This means their programs, income limits, and waiting lists are specific to El Paso — they do not cover other counties or cities, and their rules differ from other housing authorities in Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • The Housing Authority of El Paso runs public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and you contact them directly — not through the city government or a state office.
  • Most HAEP programs have waiting lists that close and reopen based on funding, so calling first to confirm the list is open saves you time.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a signed lease (for Section 8) before HAEP can process your request.
  • HAEP's main office is located in central El Paso, and you can reach them by phone, mail, or in person during business hours.

How to reach the Housing Authority of El Paso

The main office of the Housing Authority of El Paso is located at 4001 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. You can call them at (915) 533-6600 during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. If you prefer to visit in person, staff can answer questions about programs, waiting lists, and what documents you need to bring.

Before you call or visit, have your Social Security number, current income information, and any lease documents ready. This speeds up the conversation and helps staff tell you whether a program is currently open and what your next step should be. If the waiting list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — HAEP staff can give you a timeline based on past patterns.

You can also mail questions or documents to the address above. Include your name, phone number, and a clear description of what you need. Mail takes longer than a phone call, so use it only if you cannot reach them by phone or need to submit documents as a record.

Public housing through HAEP

Public housing means HAEP owns the building and you pay rent to them. HAEP operates apartment complexes throughout El Paso for households with low to very low income. Rent is typically set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, which is lower than market rent in most cases. You do not choose the building or unit — HAEP assigns you based on availability and family size.

To be considered for public housing, your household income must fall below the limit HAEP sets each year (this limit varies by family size). You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status, have no serious criminal history, and pass a background check. HAEP maintains a waiting list for public housing, and it often closes when the list grows too long. Call to confirm the list is open before you gather documents.

The process process typically takes several weeks after you submit all required paperwork. HAEP will contact you to schedule an interview, verify your income and residency, and explain lease terms. If you are approved, you will be placed on the waiting list for an available unit in your size category.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

A Section 8 voucher is a rental subsidy that HAEP pays directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment or house on the private market, and HAEP pays a portion of the rent — you pay the rest. This gives you more choice in where you live compared to public housing, though you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher and a unit that passes HAEP's inspection.

Income limits for Section 8 are similar to public housing but vary by family size and are adjusted annually. You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency, pass a background check, and have a signed lease before HAEP can issue a voucher. The waiting list for Section 8 is often longer than for public housing and closes more frequently. Call HAEP to ask whether the list is currently open and how long the wait typically is.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a unit and have it inspected. HAEP staff can explain the search process and what landlords need to know about accepting vouchers. Not all landlords participate, so you may need to contact several before finding one willing to work with the program.

Emergency rental information and other programs

HAEP sometimes administers emergency rental information when the federal government or the state provides temporary funding. These programs pay back rent or current rent directly to landlords for households facing hardship. Unlike public housing and Section 8, emergency information is not permanent — it covers a specific period and ends when the funding runs out.

When emergency funds are available, HAEP opens a separate process process and sets a important date. Call their main number to ask whether emergency information is currently open. If it is, ask what documents you need (usually a lease, proof of income, and proof of hardship) and whether there is a waiting list or first-come, first-served process.

HAEP may also offer other programs or partnerships with nonprofits that help with deposits, utility information, or housing counseling. Staff can tell you what is available at the time you call, since programs change based on funding and local need.

Documents you will need

Most HAEP programs require the same core documents. Bring or mail originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. You will need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

You must also prove your citizenship or legal residency status. U.S. citizens can use a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Non-citizens need a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. HAEP will make a copy and return the original to you. For Section 8, you will also need a signed lease from your landlord showing the monthly rent amount and lease term.

If you have a criminal history, bring documentation of what happened and when. HAEP does not automatically deny applicants with records, but they do review the nature and timing of any offense. Being honest upfront is better than having HAEP discover something later and deny you.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Both public housing and Section 8 use waiting lists. Your position on the list depends on when you applied and whether HAEP gives priority to certain groups (such as homeless households or people with disabilities). HAEP does not may provide how long you will wait — it depends on how many units become available and how many people are ahead of you.

Waiting times in El Paso vary widely. Public housing lists may move faster if HAEP has more turnover, while Section 8 lists can stretch years in some cases. Call HAEP and ask for a realistic estimate based on current list length. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can call back to check.

While you are on a waiting list, your circumstances may change — income, address, family size, or housing needs. Tell HAEP when ready if anything changes, because some changes may affect your priority or remove you from the list. Keep your contact information current so HAEP can reach you when a unit or voucher becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I make too much money for HAEP programs?

HAEP sets income limits each year based on family size and area median income. Call them with your household size and gross monthly income, and they will tell you whether you fall below the limit. Income limits are usually 50 to 80 percent of the area median, which means many working families still may have access to. Do not assume you are ineligible — ask.

Can I get on the waiting list if I have a criminal record?

HAEP reviews criminal history but does not automatically deny applicants. They look at the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and whether it relates to housing or violence. explore and be honest about your history. HAEP staff can tell you during the interview whether your record will disqualify you or if you can proceed.

What happens if I lose my job while waiting for a voucher?

Tell HAEP about the job loss right away. Your income may drop below the limit, which could actually help your priority. HAEP may also pause your process temporarily if you cannot prove current income. Once you find new work or receive unemployment benefits, update them with your new income information.

Can my landlord refuse to accept a Section 8 voucher?

Yes. Landlords are not required to accept Section 8, though some states and cities have rules against discrimination. In Texas, landlords can refuse vouchers. This means you will need to search for a unit with a landlord who participates. HAEP staff can suggest buildings or neighborhoods where vouchers are more commonly accepted.

How do I check my position on the waiting list?

Call HAEP with your process number or name and date of birth. Staff can tell you your current position and give you an estimate of how long the wait might be. Some housing authorities have online portals where you can check your status, so ask whether HAEP offers this option.