What the Colorado Springs Housing Authority does

The Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) is a public agency that manages affordable rental housing and rental information programs in El Paso County. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it contracts with private landlords and property managers who agree to rent units at below-market rates to low-income households. The Authority also administers voucher programs that help tenants pay rent directly to their landlords.

CSHA operates under state law and receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its main programs are public housing (older, Authority-owned buildings), Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8), and project-based vouchers tied to specific properties. The Authority also runs supportive housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado Springs Housing Authority manages rental information and affordable housing programs across El Paso County, funded by HUD.
  • Most CSHA housing is privately owned but rented at reduced rates; the Authority pays the difference between what you can afford and the market rent.
  • Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from any landlord who accepts the program, not just Authority-owned properties.
  • Wait lists for both public housing and vouchers are typically closed or have long delays; contact CSHA directly to learn current status.
  • You must meet income limits, citizenship requirements, and background screening to participate in any CSHA program.

Housing Choice Vouchers and how they work

A Housing Choice Voucher is a rental subsidy that CSHA gives to you, not to a landlord. You find your own rental unit (house, apartment, or townhome) from any landlord willing to accept the voucher, and CSHA pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference — typically 30 percent of your household income, though this varies by program and your lease terms.

The voucher amount depends on the size of your household and the local rental market. CSHA publishes payment standards — the maximum rent it will cover for a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and so on. If you find a unit that rents for less than the standard, you pay less. If the unit costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket, or you can negotiate with the landlord.

To use a voucher, the landlord must pass CSHA's inspection and agree to the program's terms. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards — working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, no mold or pest damage. Once approved, your lease is between you and the landlord, but CSHA remains a party to the agreement and can enforce its terms.

Public housing and project-based programs

CSHA owns and operates a smaller number of public housing units, mostly older apartment complexes and scattered-site homes throughout Colorado Springs. These are fully managed by the Authority or its contractors. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and utilities are often included in the lease.

Project-based vouchers are different from Housing Choice Vouchers: the subsidy is tied to a specific building or property, not to you. If you move, you lose the subsidy. CSHA uses project-based vouchers to support affordable housing at particular developments, often paired with supportive services for seniors, people with disabilities, or those transitioning from homelessness.

Both public housing and project-based programs require you to meet income limits and pass background screening. Rent increases are tied to your income, not market rates, so your housing cost stays stable even if your income rises slightly.

Wait lists and how to get on them

CSHA maintains separate wait lists for public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. Both lists are typically closed, meaning CSHA is not currently taking new applications. When a list opens, it usually closes again within days or weeks once a certain number of applications arrive.

To find out whether a wait list is open, contact CSHA directly by phone or visit their office in person. You can also check their website, though the most current information comes from a phone call. If a list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request notification when it does.

When a list is open, you will need to complete an process, provide proof of income and citizenship, and consent to a background check. Processing can take several weeks. Once you are on the list, your position depends on the date you applied and, in some cases, on local preference categories (such as living or working in Colorado Springs, or being homeless).

Income limits and who can participate

CSHA programs are limited to households earning below a certain percentage of the area median income. The income limit varies by program and household size. For example, a family of four might have a limit around 50 to 60 percent of the area median income, though this changes yearly and depends on which program you are seeking.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. CSHA verifies this through the Department of Homeland Security. Non-citizens with certain visa types or work permits may be may be able to access, but undocumented immigrants are not.

Background screening includes a criminal history check and a review of your rental history. Serious felonies, drug convictions, and a pattern of evictions can disqualify you. CSHA has some discretion to overlook older or minor infractions, especially if you can show rehabilitation or changed circumstances.

Supportive housing and special programs

CSHA administers several programs beyond standard rental information. These include permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness, transitional housing for those moving from shelters, and housing with on-site services for seniors and people with disabilities.

Supportive housing typically pairs affordable rent with case management, mental health services, job training, or other supports. These programs are often funded through grants and partnerships with nonprofits like the Pikes Peak Homeless Commission. Referrals usually come through social service agencies, shelters, or the county's coordinated entry system rather than through a direct process to CSHA.

How to contact the Colorado Springs Housing Authority

The Colorado Springs Housing Authority's main office is located in Colorado Springs. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about wait list status, program requirements, and process procedures. Many routine questions can be answered over the phone without visiting in person.

CSHA also has a website where you can find program descriptions, current rent payment standards, and links to process materials. If you are currently a tenant in CSHA housing or holding a voucher, you can usually pay rent, report maintenance issues, and update your information online or by phone.

If you are experiencing homelessness or in crisis, contact the Pikes Peak Homeless Commission or call 211 Colorado to be referred to emergency shelter and services, which may eventually connect you to CSHA supportive housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get housing after I am approved?

Wait times vary widely. Once you are on a wait list and your name reaches the top, CSHA typically has 60 to 90 days to issue you a voucher or offer you a public housing unit. However, finding an actual rental unit after receiving a voucher can take weeks or months, depending on the local market and your search effort. For public housing, you may be offered a specific unit and have a short window to accept or decline.

Can I use my voucher to rent anywhere in Colorado Springs?

Yes, Housing Choice Vouchers work with any landlord in the CSHA jurisdiction (El Paso County and parts of surrounding areas) who accepts the program. You are not limited to Authority-owned properties. However, the unit must pass inspection and the rent cannot exceed CSHA's payment standard for that bedroom size.

What happens if my income increases while I am in a CSHA program?

Your rent will increase, but usually gradually. CSHA recertifies your income annually. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be required to leave the program or transition to a different one. Some programs have "next-to-last-resort" provisions that allow you to stay longer at higher rent.

Do I need a Social Security number to explore?

CSHA requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members age 6 and older. This is a federal requirement. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain it before completing your process.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

CSHA does not automatically deny applicants with criminal or eviction history. The agency considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Contact CSHA directly to discuss your specific situation before explore, as policies vary by program and circumstances.