What the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso does

The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental information programs for low-income residents in El Paso. It does not set policy for all housing in the city — it manages specific programs funded by federal dollars, primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HACEP owns and operates public housing complexes, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles other rental information initiatives.

The agency is separate from the city government itself, though it operates under city oversight. When you contact HACEP, you are dealing with a local authority that knows El Paso's housing stock and can tell you whether a program is currently open to new residents or has a waiting list.

Key Takeaways

  • HACEP runs public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher program, both funded by HUD, and serves low-income households in El Paso.
  • Most HACEP programs have waiting lists that can be years long, so you need to contact them directly to learn current status and how to get on a list.
  • You can reach HACEP by phone, mail, or in person at their main office to ask about programs, current openings, and what documents you will need.
  • HACEP also manages emergency information and special programs that may have shorter waiting periods or different rules than standard public housing.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

HACEP operates two main types of programs, and they work differently. Public housing means HACEP owns the building and you pay rent to HACEP directly. Your rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, with a minimum amount. HACEP maintains the property and handles repairs.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work the opposite way: you find a private landlord willing to accept the voucher, and HACEP pays part of your rent to the landlord while you pay the rest. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord who participates in the program and will accept the voucher amount HACEP offers for that area.

Both programs have waiting lists. The length of the list and whether HACEP is currently accepting new names varies. You must contact HACEP directly to learn the current status for each program.

How to contact the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

HACEP's main office is located in El Paso, and you can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about programs, waiting lists, and what to bring when you explore. The phone number and office address are available through the City of El Paso's official website or by calling 211 (a free referral service that connects you to local resources).

You can also visit in person to pick up applications and ask questions face-to-face. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide information about your household size, income, and current housing situation. If you cannot visit in person, ask whether HACEP accepts mail-in applications or whether you can request forms by phone.

Some HACEP programs may have satellite offices or partner agencies that handle intake, so when you call, ask whether there is a location closer to you.

What documents you typically need

HACEP will ask for proof of identity, income, and household composition. Bring a government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, and recent pay stubs or tax returns showing your income. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources.

You will also need proof of residency in El Paso — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address. If you have an eviction history or criminal record, HACEP will ask about it; being honest at the start is better than having an process rejected later for incomplete information.

The exact list of required documents varies by program, so ask HACEP what they need before you gather everything. Some programs have different rules for people with disabilities or families experiencing homelessness.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most HACEP programs operate waiting lists because demand exceeds available units. The length of the list depends on the program and changes over time. Public housing waiting lists in large cities often run several years, while Housing Choice Voucher lists can be even longer or may be closed entirely.

When you contact HACEP, ask specifically how long the current waiting list is for the program you are interested in. Ask also whether the list is open — some programs close to new names when the list becomes too long, then reopen later as units become available. If a list is closed, ask when it typically reopens or whether there are other programs with shorter waits.

While you wait, your circumstances may change. Tell HACEP if your income, household size, or address changes, because this information affects your place on the list and your may be able to access.

Other programs HACEP may run

Beyond public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, HACEP may administer emergency rental information, rapid rehousing for people experiencing homelessness, or other HUD-funded programs. These programs sometimes have different waiting periods or may be able to access rules than standard housing programs.

When you call HACEP, ask whether they have programs for people in your specific situation — for example, if you are facing eviction, if you have a disability, if you are a veteran, or if you are experiencing homelessness. Some programs prioritize certain populations or move faster than others.

What to do if you are denied or placed on a long waiting list

If HACEP denies your process, ask for the reason in writing. You have the right to know why you were denied and to request a hearing to appeal the decision. HACEP must provide information about the appeal process when they deny you.

If you are placed on a waiting list but the wait is too long for your current situation, ask HACEP about other programs or resources. They may refer you to nonprofits, community action agencies, or other local programs that offer rental information or housing support. You can also call 211 to learn about other options in El Paso.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if HACEP's waiting list is open right now?

Call HACEP directly — they can tell you in one conversation whether they are accepting new names for public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, or other programs. Waiting list status changes, so calling is faster and more accurate than checking online.

Can I be on the waiting list for both public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers at the same time?

Yes. The two programs are separate, and you can explore to both. Being on both lists increases your chances of getting housing sooner, though you will need to complete separate applications and provide documents for each.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

HACEP will consider your history but does not automatically deny you. Tell them upfront about any criminal convictions or evictions. Some offenses or recent evictions may disqualify you, but others may not. Being honest during the process is better than having HACEP discover it later.

How much will I pay for rent if I get into HACEP housing?

In public housing, you pay 30 percent of your household income as rent, with a minimum amount set by HACEP. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the landlord's rent, which varies by unit and neighborhood. HACEP can tell you the current rent amounts and voucher payment standards for El Paso.

Can I explore if I do not live in El Paso yet?

Most HACEP programs require you to live or work in El Paso. Call them to confirm residency rules for the specific program you are interested in. If you are planning to move to El Paso, ask whether you can explore before you arrive or whether you must establish residency first.