What the Housing Authority of Colorado Springs does

The Housing Authority of Colorado Springs (HACS) is a public agency that runs rental information programs and affordable housing for low-income residents in El Paso County. It does not set housing policy for the city — that is the city government's role — but it administers specific programs that help people pay rent or find subsidized apartments. HACS operates with federal funding, mainly through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The two main things HACS does are: manage Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8), which let you rent from a private landlord while HACS pays part of your rent, and own and operate public housing units that it rents directly to low-income households. It also runs emergency rental information when federal funds are available, though those programs open and close depending on funding.

HACS is separate from the city's homeless services or the county's social services. If you need help beyond housing — food, medical care, job training — you will need to contact those agencies separately, though HACS staff can sometimes point you to resources.

Key Takeaways

  • HACS runs Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing; both have long waiting lists that are sometimes closed to new names.
  • To reach HACS, call 719-444-1000 or visit their office at 1 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
  • Waiting lists for vouchers and public housing are managed separately, and you must be on the list to be considered when a unit or voucher becomes available.
  • HACS income limits vary by program and family size; you can ask staff to tell you whether your household income qualifies.
  • Emergency rental information through HACS is available only when federal funding is active; call to ask whether the fund is currently open.

Housing Choice Vouchers through HACS

A Housing Choice Voucher is a subsidy that HACS pays to your landlord on your behalf. You find your own apartment in the private rental market, and HACS pays a portion of the rent — usually 70 to 80 percent — while you pay the rest. The amount HACS pays is based on your income and the size of your household, not on what the landlord charges, so you can rent a cheaper place and keep the difference or pay more out of pocket for a nicer apartment.

To get on the waiting list for a voucher, you contact HACS directly. The waiting list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers. When it opens, HACS announces it on their website and through local media. Once you are on the list, you may wait months or years before your name is called. When it is, you have a set time to find an apartment and have it inspected by HACS before the voucher takes effect.

You must meet income limits to keep a voucher. HACS recertifies your income annually, and if your earnings rise above the limit, you may lose the voucher or have to pay a larger share of rent. Some households can stay on vouchers even if income rises slightly, depending on HACS policy at the time.

Public housing managed by HACS

HACS owns and operates apartment complexes and scattered single-family homes that it rents directly to low-income households. These are not the same as vouchers — HACS is your landlord, not a subsidy provider. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. Public housing units are inspected and maintained by HACS staff.

Public housing waiting lists are also often closed. When open, you can request to be added. Like vouchers, the wait can be long, and your name is called based on HACS's selection process, which may prioritize households with specific needs — for example, families with children or people experiencing homelessness.

Once you are in public housing, you sign a lease with HACS and follow the same rules as any tenant. HACS can evict you for lease violations, just as a private landlord can. Rent increases are tied to income recertification, so your payment may go up or down each year.

Emergency rental information from HACS

When federal emergency funds are available, HACS sometimes administers rental information for households facing eviction or rent arrears. These programs pay landlords directly and cover rent you already owe, not future rent. Funding is temporary and often runs out quickly, so programs may close mid-year and reopen when new money arrives.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently available, call HACS at 719-444-1000 and ask. Do not assume a program exists just because it existed last year. Staff can tell you the current status and what documents you need if the fund is open.

How to contact HACS and what to bring

The Housing Authority of Colorado Springs is located at 1 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. You can reach them by phone at 719-444-1000 during business hours. They also have a website where you can find information about current waiting lists and programs.

If you are explore for a voucher or public housing, bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of residency in El Paso County. If you are explore for emergency rental information, bring your lease, proof of the rent amount owed, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind.

HACS staff can tell you exactly what documents they need for your situation. It is worth calling first to ask what to bring before you visit the office, especially if you are explore for emergency information and the fund is open — processing speed matters when you are facing eviction.

Income limits and how they work

HACS sets income limits for each program based on the area median income for El Paso County. These limits vary by household size — a single person has a lower limit than a family of four. The limits also change each year, usually in April, when HUD releases new figures.

You are not disqualified if your income is slightly above the limit in some cases. HACS has rules about how much income can rise before you lose the subsidy or are removed from the waiting list. Call HACS to ask whether your household income falls within the current limits for the program you are interested in.

If your income is too high for HACS programs, you may still be able to rent in the private market or look into other affordable housing options run by nonprofits or the city. HACS staff can sometimes refer you to other resources.

Waiting lists: how they work and what to expect

Both the voucher waiting list and the public housing waiting list are separate. You can be on both at the same time. When you are added to a list, HACS assigns you a position based on when you applied. As units or vouchers become available, HACS works through the list in order, though some programs prioritize certain households — for example, people with disabilities or families with children.

Waiting times vary widely. In Colorado Springs, voucher waiting lists have historically been closed for extended periods because demand is high and funding is limited. Public housing waiting lists may move faster or slower depending on how many units HACS owns and how many people are on the list.

HACS will contact you when your name is called. You must respond within the time frame they give you, or you may lose your place. If you move or your contact information changes, tell HACS when ready so they can reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list open right now?

The waiting list status changes frequently. Call HACS at 719-444-1000 to ask whether the voucher list is currently open. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can request to be notified when it does.

How long does it usually take to get a voucher or public housing?

Wait times vary. For vouchers in Colorado Springs, the wait has been several years in the past, though this changes based on funding and turnover. Public housing wait times depend on how many units are available. Call HACS to ask about current wait times for the specific program you want.

What happens if my income goes up while I have a voucher?

HACS recertifies your income every year. If your income rises above the limit, you may have to pay a higher share of rent or lose the voucher. Some households can stay on vouchers with higher income under certain rules. Ask HACS about their income recertification policy.

Can I explore for emergency rental information if I do not have a lease?

Most emergency rental information programs require a signed lease to prove you are a tenant. If you do not have a lease, call HACS and ask whether they have any options. Some programs may work with month-to-month agreements or other proof of tenancy.

What if I am homeless and want to explore for HACS housing?

HACS may prioritize people experiencing homelessness on some waiting lists. Contact HACS directly and explain your situation. They can tell you whether you are may be able to access and what documents you need. You may also want to contact the city's homeless services to see whether they can help you while you wait for HACS housing.