Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
Capitola, California
Last Updated
2 days ago
Other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Oct 1, 2018
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waiting list is for USDA Farmworker Housing rental assistance. Eligibility includes active, retired, or disabled local agricultural workers.
Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
An interest list for some units at Pacific Station South reopened in July 2025; apply via email at pacificstationsouth.info@fpimgt.com, by phone at 707-708-3260, or by visiting a temporary leasing office.
Other: Senior Apartments Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting list for Sunrise Senior Apartments is currently accepting pre-applications. Applications can be returned by mail to 2160 41st Ave., Capitola 95010, by FAX to (831) 469-3712, dropped off in the Housing Authority lobby during office hours (Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm), dropped o...
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Oct 10, 2022
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The site-based waiting list for Project Based Voucher rental assistance units at Sunrise Senior Apartments is currently open and accepting applications. Pre-applications were available beginning October 10, 2022. The Resetar Project Based Voucher Waiting List and El Centro Project Based Voucher Waiting List are also mentioned as open.
SRO Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
El Centro has 45 single room occupancy (SRO) units. Only single person households age 62 or above are eligible for these units.
Other Programs
8 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The Housing Authority operates an Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) Program, created in 2021 during the COVID pandemic. Current information suggests that EHV-assisted households are being connected to other affordable housing programs, implying the list is not currently open for new applications.
The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz has closed the Waiting List for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program for both the County of Santa Cruz and the Cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista. There is usually a long wait for assistance, typically several years.
The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed and was last open in July 2011.
The waiting list is currently closed. Pre-applications for the waiting list were available starting October 10, 2022, at The CHISPA website, Housing Authority website, Sunrise Senior Apartments, Hollister Senior Center, and CHISPA's Main Office.
The waiting list for the USDA Farmworker Housing Program closed on Friday, October 7, 2022. Applications received after 5:00 pm on October 7, 2022 will not be placed on the waitlist.
The waiting list for this program closed on Friday, October 7, 2022. Applications received after 5:00 pm on October 7, 2022, will not be placed on the waitlist. This program is designed for households earning a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers.
This program's waiting list closed on October 7, 2022, and serves households earning a substantial portion of income as farm laborers.
The waiting list for this program closed on Friday, October 7, 2022. Applications received after 5:00 pm on October 7, 2022 will not be placed on the waitlist.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
Other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other: Senior Apartments
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
SRO
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Sunrise Senior Apartments
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
USDA Farm Worker Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
USDA Farm worker Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
USDA Farmworker Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
USDA Farmworker Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz?
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $98,900. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $41,550 | $69,250 | $111,100 |
| 2 Persons | $47,500 | $79,100 | $127,000 |
| 3 Persons | $53,450 | $89,000 | $142,850 |
| 4 Persons | $59,350 | $98,900 | $158,700 |
| 5 Persons | $64,100 | $106,800 | $171,400 |
| 6 Persons | $68,850 | $114,700 | $184,100 |
| 7 Persons | $73,600 | $122,650 | $196,800 |
| 8 Persons | $78,350 | $130,550 | $209,500 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz — including across state lines.