What the Housing Authority of El Paso does

The Housing Authority of El Paso (HAEP) is a local government agency that manages affordable housing programs in El Paso County. It administers public housing — apartments and homes it owns and rents at reduced rates — and runs the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly called Section 8, which lets tenants rent from private landlords while the authority pays part of the rent directly to the owner.

HAEP also manages other programs including Project-Based Vouchers (where the subsidy stays with a specific building rather than moving with the tenant) and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. The authority does not build new housing itself anymore; it leases and maintains existing properties and administers vouchers that help low-income households afford market-rate rentals.

If you live in El Paso and need affordable housing, HAEP is where you go to learn what programs might work for your situation. The authority maintains waiting lists for most programs, and those lists can be long — sometimes years — so understanding how each program works and which one fits your needs matters before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • HAEP runs public housing (apartments it owns) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (subsidies you use at private rentals), plus supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
  • Most HAEP programs have waiting lists that can take months or years to reach, and lists sometimes close when they become too long.
  • You can contact HAEP directly by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about current programs and whether waiting lists are open.
  • Income limits explore to all HAEP programs, and you will need to provide proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and rental history.
  • HAEP's website lists current waiting list status and process requirements, though you may need to call to confirm details or ask about programs not listed online.

Public housing managed by HAEP

HAEP owns and operates apartment complexes and single-family homes throughout El Paso. These are public housing units — the authority owns the building, sets the rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and handles maintenance and management. Rent is lower than market rate, but the units are older on average and may have longer wait times than voucher programs.

To live in HAEP public housing, you must meet income limits set by the federal government, which vary by family size. A single person's income limit is different from a family of four's. You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of rental history. HAEP prioritizes applicants based on date of process and sometimes gives preference to people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities.

The waiting list for public housing can be years long depending on the type of unit you need (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.). Some lists close temporarily when they reach a certain size. Call HAEP or check their website to see whether the list for your unit size is currently open and how long the wait typically is.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, works differently from public housing. HAEP gives you a voucher (a subsidy) that you use to rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to participate, and HAEP pays the landlord a portion of the rent — usually the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for that unit size in El Paso.

You pay your share of the rent directly to the landlord each month. The voucher stays with you as long as you remain in the program and meet the rules, so if you move, you can take it to a new rental. This gives you more choice than public housing, but landlords must be willing to accept vouchers, and not all do.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers in El Paso is typically very long — sometimes several years. HAEP may open the list for a limited time, then close it again. Check their website or call to find out whether applications are being taken and what the current wait time is.

Income limits and who can participate

All HAEP programs have income limits based on the area median income for El Paso County. These limits change each year and depend on family size. A household of one has a different limit than a household of five. You must earn less than the limit to be considered; if your income is above the limit, you will not be able to participate in HAEP programs.

You will also need to prove your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits (Social Security, disability, unemployment), bring documentation of those payments. HAEP will verify your income before you are approved.

Other requirements include proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, a valid ID, and a rental history (or explanation if you have none). You must also pass a background check; criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but HAEP will review the details. If you have an eviction on your record, tell HAEP when you explore — they may still consider you depending on how long ago it was.

How to contact HAEP and explore

The Housing Authority of El Paso's main office is located at 4041 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. You can reach them by phone at (915) 533-5500 during business hours. Their website is haep.org, where you can find information about current programs, waiting list status, and process forms.

To start, call or visit the website to ask which programs have open waiting lists. If you want to explore for public housing or a Housing Choice Voucher, HAEP will tell you what documents to bring and whether you can explore online, by mail, or in person. Have your Social Security number, proof of income, and ID ready when you contact them.

Processing times vary. Once you submit an process, HAEP will verify your information, which can take several weeks. If you are approved, you will be placed on the waiting list for the program you applied for. The authority will contact you when a unit or voucher becomes available, which may take months or years depending on the program and your priority.

Supportive housing and special programs

Beyond public housing and vouchers, HAEP administers programs for people experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities. These include Project-Based Vouchers, where the subsidy is tied to a specific building (usually supportive housing with services), and rapid rehousing programs that help people move from homelessness into permanent housing quickly.

If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact HAEP or call 211 (a referral line) to learn about these programs. They often have shorter waiting lists than standard public housing or vouchers because they target urgent need. HAEP works with nonprofits and social service agencies to provide case management and support services alongside housing.

What to expect after you explore

After you submit an process, HAEP will send you a letter confirming receipt. The authority will then verify your income, check your background, and contact previous landlords or references. This verification step usually takes two to four weeks.

If you are approved, you will be added to the waiting list for the program you applied for. HAEP will send you a letter with your position on the list and an estimate of how long the wait might be — though this is an estimate and can change. Do not assume you will hear back quickly; waiting lists can be years long.

If you are denied, HAEP will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. The letter will tell you how to request a hearing and the important date to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both public housing and a Housing Choice Voucher at the same time?

Yes. You can be on the waiting list for both programs simultaneously. If a voucher becomes available first, you can accept it and stay on the public housing list, or vice versa. Let HAEP know if you want to withdraw from one program after being offered the other.

What happens if my income increases while I am in an HAEP program?

HAEP recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may lose your subsidy or have to pay more rent. However, most programs allow a small income increase before you are terminated. Call HAEP if your income changes to understand how it affects your benefits.

Do I have to live in El Paso to explore for HAEP housing?

You do not have to live in El Paso now, but you must be willing to live there and meet HAEP's other requirements. Some programs give preference to current El Paso residents or people who work in El Paso County. Ask HAEP about preferences when you call.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher outside of El Paso?

Housing Choice Vouchers can sometimes be used in other areas through a process called portability, but you must request it and the receiving housing authority must have available funding. Contact HAEP before you move to ask whether your voucher can move with you.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HAEP considers criminal history and evictions on a case-by-case basis. Neither automatically disqualifies you. When you explore, be honest about your history; HAEP will review the details, the time that has passed, and the circumstances. Lying on your process will disqualify you.