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About Cameron County Housing Authority
The Cameron County Housing Authority (PHA Code: TX509) provides housing assistance to residents in Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas. The authority manages both the Public Housing program and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Both of these programs are currently open for applications.
In total, the Authority oversees approximately 1,351 assisted housing units. This includes 1,031 Housing Choice Voucher units and 320 Public Housing units. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA area is $39,700 per year.
While both programs are presently open, applicants should note that program status can change. Historically, the Public Housing program has experienced periods where it closed and then reopened to new applications.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 19, 2026
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting list prioritizes elderly, disabled, and veteran applicants. In-person applications are on the third Wednesday of each month, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 65 Castellano Circle, Brownsville, TX, on a first-come, first-served basis for the first fifty applicants.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 21, 2026
How to Apply
In-person
Additional Notes
Applications are available in-person every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 65 Castellano Circle, Brownsville, TX. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Cameron County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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 Cameron County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Cameron County Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Cameron County Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $39,700/year to qualify in this area. 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 Cameron County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Cameron County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Cameron County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,351 assisted housing units (1,031 Section 8, 320 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Brownsville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Cameron County Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Cameron County Housing Authority 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 Brownsville. This program serves approximately 1,031 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Cameron County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Cameron County Housing Authority manages approximately 320 Public Housing units in Brownsville. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Cameron County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Cameron County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Cameron County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Cameron County Housing Authority?
Cameron County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Cameron County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $39,700. 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 | $16,700 | $27,800 | $44,450 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $31,800 | $50,800 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $35,750 | $57,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $39,700 | $63,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $42,900 | $68,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $46,100 | $73,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $49,250 | $78,750 |
| 8 Persons | $52,450 | $52,450 | $83,850 |
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 Cameron County Housing Authority — including across state lines.