How the Housing Authority of the City of Odessa Works and What It Administers

What the Housing Authority of the City of Odessa does

The Housing Authority of the City of Odessa (HACO) is a local government agency that runs two main housing programs in Odessa, Texas: the public housing program and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8). HACO owns and operates public housing units directly and distributes vouchers that let tenants rent from private landlords while the program pays a portion of the rent. Both programs serve low-income households, but they work differently and have separate waiting lists.

HACO is not a landlord for all rental housing in Odessa — it manages a specific portfolio of properties and a specific number of vouchers. If you are looking for housing in Odessa, you will need to contact HACO directly to learn which program might work for your situation and whether it is currently taking new applicants.

Key Takeaways

HACO runs public housing (units it owns) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8 vouchers for private rentals), and both have separate waiting lists.
To learn about either program is open to new applicants, you must contact HACO directly by phone, mail, or in person — waiting lists often close when demand is high.
Public housing and vouchers have different income limits, rent calculations, and lease terms, so the right program depends on your income and housing needs.
HACO's office is located in Odessa, and staff can explain which program you may be able to use and what documents you will need to bring.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

Public housing means HACO owns the building and you rent directly from HACO. The rent you pay is based on your income — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income. HACO handles maintenance, utilities (in some cases), and property management. Public housing units are scattered throughout Odessa in various neighborhoods.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) work differently. HACO gives you a voucher that you use to rent from a private landlord of your choice. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the difference. You have more choice in where you live, but you must find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the landlord must agree to HACO's lease terms and inspections. The rent calculation is similar — your share is usually 30 percent of your income — but the total rent is capped at the fair market rent HACO sets for your area.

Both programs require you to meet income limits. Income limits vary by household size and change yearly. HACO can tell you the current limits when you contact them.

How to contact HACO and check waiting list status

The Housing Authority of the City of Odessa is located at 1001 East 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79760. You can reach them by phone at (432) 335-1900 during business hours. You can also visit in person to ask about current waiting list status and what documents you will need.

Waiting lists for both public housing and vouchers open and close based on demand. When a list is closed, HACO stops taking new applications until units or vouchers become available. The only way to know the current status is to contact HACO directly — this information changes and is not posted on a central website.

When you call or visit, have your household size, current income, and any special needs (such as a disability) ready to discuss. HACO staff can tell you whether you may be within income limits and what the next steps are.

Documents you will likely need

Both programs require proof of income, identity, and residency. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a government-issued ID, and proof of your current address. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources. If you receive Social Security, bring a recent statement.

You will also need to provide information about all household members, including their names, dates of birth, and relationship to you. HACO will conduct a background check and verify your income. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation (such as an accessible unit or a service animal), mention this when you explore.

HACO staff can give you a complete list of required documents when you contact them, because requirements can vary slightly depending on your situation.

Income limits and rent calculations

Both public housing and vouchers have income limits based on area median income (AMI). HACO sets these limits yearly, and they depend on household size. A household that exceeds the income limit will not be accepted into either program. If your income increases after you are accepted, HACO has rules about when you must leave the program — this is called "income recertification."

Rent is calculated as 30 percent of your adjusted gross monthly income in most cases. Your adjusted income is your gross income minus deductions for dependents, elderly household members, and certain expenses. HACO will calculate this for you during the process process. The rent you pay goes to HACO (in public housing) or to your landlord (in voucher housing), and HACO pays the rest of the rent directly to the landlord.

Waiting times and what happens after you explore

If the waiting list is open and you are accepted, you will be placed on the list in the order your process was received. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many units or vouchers become available. Wait times can range from a few months to several years, depending on demand in Odessa.

While you are on the waiting list, HACO may contact you to update your information or to verify that you still want housing. You must respond to these requests or you may be removed from the list. Keep your contact information current with HACO.

Once a unit or voucher is available, HACO will contact you. If you accept, you will sign a lease (in public housing) or receive your voucher (in the voucher program). HACO will conduct a home inspection before you move in to make sure the unit meets housing quality standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on both the public housing waiting list and the voucher waiting list at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists, and you can explore to both. However, once you are housed in one program, you must leave the other waiting list. Contact HACO to confirm you can explore to both.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

HACO will review your background during the process process. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but HACO has the right to deny your process based on your rental history. Contact HACO to discuss your specific situation before explore.

Can I use my voucher to move to another city?

Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the Odessa area. If you want to move to another city, you would need to contact that city's housing authority to see if they have a program that accepts transfers. HACO can explain the process if you are considering a move.

What happens if my income goes up after I move into public housing or get a voucher?

HACO recertifies your income yearly. If your income exceeds the program limit, you will be given time to leave the program — usually one year. HACO will explain the timeline when it happens. Your rent may also increase if your income increases.

How do I know if I am within the income limit?

Income limits change yearly and depend on household size. Call HACO at (432) 335-1900 and tell them your household size and monthly income. They can tell you whether you are likely within the limit without formally explore.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.