What the Pueblo Housing Authority does

The Pueblo Housing Authority (PHA) is a local government agency that runs affordable housing programs in Pueblo County, Colorado. It manages public housing units, administers the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and handles emergency rental information when funding is available. The PHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays landlords to rent units to low-income households, or it owns and manages a smaller number of public housing apartments directly.

The agency's main job is to connect people who cannot afford market-rate rent with landlords willing to accept vouchers or rent-controlled units. It also processes applications, verifies income, conducts inspections, and handles lease disputes. If you are looking for affordable housing in Pueblo, the PHA is the first place to contact because it controls the waiting lists and knows which programs have openings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pueblo Housing Authority runs three main programs: public housing (units it owns), Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 rent subsidies), and emergency rental information when funds are available.
  • Most PHA programs have waiting lists that can be months or years long, so you should explore even if you do not need housing when ready.
  • You must meet income limits based on your household size, and the PHA will verify your income with tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents.
  • The PHA office is located in Pueblo and handles applications, inspections, and lease questions by phone and in person.

Public housing units managed by the PHA

Public housing means apartments or houses that the Pueblo Housing Authority owns and rents directly to tenants. These units are scattered throughout Pueblo and are typically older buildings that the PHA maintains. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household's gross monthly income, so the lower your income, the lower your rent.

To live in public housing, you must meet the PHA's income limits, which change yearly based on area median income. A single person's income limit is usually around $25,000 to $30,000 annually, but this varies. The PHA will ask for proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and a background check. Waiting lists for public housing are typically long — sometimes two years or more — because demand is high and the number of units is limited.

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

A Housing Choice Voucher is a rent subsidy that the PHA gives you to use with a private landlord of your choice. The voucher covers part of the rent, and you pay the rest out of pocket (usually 30 percent of your income). The landlord receives the PHA's portion directly each month. This program gives you more freedom to choose where you live than public housing, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the unit meets PHA standards.

The PHA inspects any unit you find to make sure it is safe and meets building codes. The landlord must sign a lease with the PHA and agree to the voucher terms. Like public housing, the voucher program has income limits and waiting lists. The waiting list is often closed because demand far exceeds available vouchers, so contact the PHA to ask when it reopens.

Emergency rental information through the PHA

The Pueblo Housing Authority sometimes distributes emergency rental information funds when the state or federal government provides money for that purpose. These funds pay rent you already owe (arrears) or, in some cases, upcoming rent if you are at risk of eviction. The PHA does not always have this money available — it depends on whether state or federal funding has been allocated and whether the current fund has money left.

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact the PHA to ask whether emergency information is currently available. If it is, you will need to provide proof of your lease, proof of the amount owed, and documentation of the hardship that caused you to fall behind. The PHA will contact your landlord directly to arrange payment. Processing usually takes two to six weeks.

How to contact the Pueblo Housing Authority

The Pueblo Housing Authority's main office is located in Pueblo, Colorado. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting lists, current programs, and how the process works. The office staff can tell you whether a program is currently accepting applications or if the waiting list is closed.

When you call or visit, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and a list of household members ready. If you are explore for emergency information, also bring your lease and proof of the amount you owe. The PHA will give you an process form and explain what documents you need to submit.

Income limits and household size

All PHA programs have income limits based on your household size and the area median income for Pueblo County. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and change each year. A household of one person has a lower limit than a household of four, for example.

The PHA counts all income sources: wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and others. They will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, and sometimes bank statements to verify what you report. If your income is above the limit, you will not be able to use the program, even if you are waiting on the list. If your income drops later, you can update your information with the PHA.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit an process, the PHA will verify your income, check your background, and confirm your household composition. This process usually takes four to eight weeks. If you are approved, you will be placed on a waiting list in the order applications were received (unless you have a priority reason, such as homelessness or a disability).

When a unit or voucher becomes available, the PHA will contact you. If you accept it, you will sign a lease (for public housing) or receive your voucher (for Section 8). If you turn it down, you stay on the waiting list but may lose your place if you refuse multiple offers. The PHA will explain the rules when you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for the Pueblo Housing Authority?

Waiting lists vary by program. Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers typically have waiting lists of six months to two years or longer, depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you. Emergency rental information has no waiting list but is only available when funding exists. Contact the PHA directly to ask about current wait times.

What if my income is too high for the PHA?

If your income exceeds the PHA's limit, you will not be able to use public housing or vouchers. You may want to look into other affordable housing options in Pueblo, such as tax-credit apartments or nonprofits that serve moderate-income households. The PHA staff can sometimes point you toward other resources.

Can I use a Housing Choice Voucher anywhere in Colorado?

Housing Choice Vouchers are tied to the Pueblo Housing Authority's jurisdiction, which is Pueblo County. You can use your voucher anywhere within that area, but you cannot take it to Denver or another county without permission from the PHA. If you move out of Pueblo County, your voucher ends.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you from PHA programs, but the PHA will review the details. If the eviction was recent or you owe money to a former landlord, it may affect your approval. Be honest about your history when you explore, and ask the PHA staff what they need to move forward.

Does the PHA help with utility bills or other costs?

The Pueblo Housing Authority focuses on housing rent and emergency rental information. For help with utilities, food, or other expenses, contact 211 Colorado or your local community action agency. These organizations can refer you to programs that address those needs separately.