About Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz (PHA Code: CA072), situated in Capitola, Santa Cruz County, California, plays a crucial role in providing affordable housing assistance. It manages approximately 5,657 assisted housing units, predominantly through Section 8 housing choice vouchers.

Currently, the Authority is accepting applications or interest for specific housing programs. These include the Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List), Other: Senior Apartments, and SRO housing. While other programs like Public Housing and PBV are currently closed, their statuses can change. Potential applicants should note that eligibility is tied to income limits. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA area is $98,900 per year.

Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to monitor the Authority's offerings for changes in program availability and new opportunities.

Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Jul 1, 2025

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

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

Apply Now — Official Portal

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...

SRO Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

El Centro has 45 single room occupancy (SRO) units, and the waiting list is open for single person households age 62 or above.

View original notice — hacosantacruz.org

Other Programs

15 programs

These 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.

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
Closed

The Emergency Housing Voucher Program, created in 2021, is currently closed for new applications, with assisted households being connected to other programs.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program waiting list is closed for Santa Cruz County, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista. There is typically a long wait for assistance, usually several years.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)
Closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Program utilizes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waiting List.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Other
Closed

This USDA Farmworker Housing program is for households earning a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers who are US citizens or legal permanent residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The St. Stephens Project Based Voucher (PBV) Waiting List is for the remaining 29 units. Occupancy is designated for low-income seniors at least 62 years of age.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The Public Housing waiting list has been closed since July 11, 2011.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Sunrise Senior Apartments
Closed

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.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal
USDA Farm Worker Housing Program
Closed

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.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
USDA Farm worker Housing Program
Closed

The waiting list for the USDA Farmworker Housing Program closed on Friday, October 7, 2022.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
USDA Farmworker Housing
Closed

This program is for households earning a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers who are US citizens or legal permanent residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
USDA Farmworker Housing Program
Closed

This program provides affordable housing to households earning a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers who are US citizens or legal permanent residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Closed

This program is for households earning a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers who are US citizens or legal permanent residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Pending

No current waitlist information found; referrals come from the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab)
Pending

The Housing Authority administers a Moderate Rehabilitation single room occupancy project for homeless individuals called Nuevo Sol SROs. Referrals come from the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency/ Homeless Persons’ Health Project (HPHP). No specific waiting list status is provided.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Nuevo Sol SROs)
Pending

No active waitlist information is available; referrals come from the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency/Homeless Persons' Health Project (HPHP).

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

PBV Closed 2 hours ago
PBV Opened 2 hours ago
PBV Closed Yesterday
PBV Opened Yesterday
PBV Closed 2 days ago
PBV Opened 2 days ago
PBV Closed 3 days ago
PBV Opened 3 days ago
PBV Closed 4 days ago
PBV Opened 4 days ago
PBV Closed 5 days ago
PBV Opened 5 days ago
PBV Closed 6 days ago
Other Closed Mar 28, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 23, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 22, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 22, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 21, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 21, 2026
PBV Closed Mar 20, 2026

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 Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 2160 41st Ave
City Capitola, CA 95010
PHA Code CA072
Section 8 Units 5,657

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • 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

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz currently has 3 open waiting lists (Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List), Other: Senior Apartments, SRO). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, 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 $98,900/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.

3

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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz manages approximately 5,657 assisted housing units (5,657 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Capitola. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz

Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List) open

The Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List) program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other: Senior Apartments open

The Other: Senior Apartments program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

SRO open

The SRO program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) closed

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz 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 Capitola. This program serves approximately 5,657 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other closed

The Other program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Capitola. 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.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Sunrise Senior Apartments closed

The Sunrise Senior Apartments program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

USDA Farm Worker Housing Program closed

The USDA Farm Worker Housing Program program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

USDA Farm worker Housing Program closed

The USDA Farm worker Housing Program program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

USDA Farmworker Housing closed

The USDA Farmworker Housing program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

USDA Farmworker Housing Program closed

The USDA Farmworker Housing Program program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

other closed

The other program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FUP closed

The FUP program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mod Rehab closed

The Mod Rehab program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Moderate Rehabilitation (Nuevo Sol SROs) closed

The Moderate Rehabilitation (Nuevo Sol SROs) program at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Capitola. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz administers 18 programs (Other - Pacific Station South (Interest List), Other: Senior Apartments, SRO, Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), HCV, Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab), Other, PBV, Public Housing, Sunrise Senior Apartments, USDA Farm Worker Housing Program, USDA Farm worker Housing Program, USDA Farmworker Housing, USDA Farmworker Housing Program, other, FUP, Mod Rehab, Moderate Rehabilitation (Nuevo Sol SROs)) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 2160 41st Ave, Capitola, CA.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz?
Wait times at Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz depend on demand in Capitola, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 5,657 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 8, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz, including Housing Authority of the City of San Jose (25 mi), Santa Clara County Housing Authority (25 mi), Housing Authority of the County of Monterey (26 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in California and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in California.
How do I contact Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz?
You can reach Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz by phone at (831) 454-9455. Their office is located at 2160 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010. You can also email them at housing@hacosantacruz.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz?
Income limits for Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA (currently $132,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $98,900. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $132,800 Effective April 1, 2025
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.