Otero County Housing Authority

La Junta, Colorado

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Otero County Housing Authority

Otero County Housing Authority (PHA Code: CO101) is located in La Junta, Otero County, Colorado. This authority manages approximately 46 assisted housing units, primarily through its 46 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs are open and accepting applications. The Mainstream and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs are closed to new applications.

Potential applicants should note the income limits. For a family of four in the Otero County, CO area, the Very Low Income limit is $51,000 per year. The authority aims to provide rental assistance and affordable housing within its service area.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The waitlist is open until further notice, and vouchers can be used in Otero County but not in Rocky Ford city limits.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

The La Junta Housing Authority is accepting public housing waiting list applications for families and senior/disabled individuals, with a preference for applicants who live and/or work in La Junta.

Other Programs

3 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.

Mainstream Voucher
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available.

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

No active waitlist information currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.

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

Status History

PBV Closed 4 days ago
Mainstream Closed 4 days ago

Official Application

Contact Otero County Housing Authority directly at (719) 384-9055 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 315 E 5th St
City La Junta, CO 81050
PHA Code CO101
Section 8 Units 46

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 Otero County Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Otero 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.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Otero 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 $51,000/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

Contact Otero County Housing Authority directly at (719) 384-9055 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Otero County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Otero County Housing Authority manages approximately 46 assisted housing units (46 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in La Junta. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Otero County Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Otero 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 La Junta. This program serves approximately 46 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 Otero County Housing Authority 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.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Otero County Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Otero County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in La Junta. 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Otero County Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in La Junta maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Otero County Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Otero County Housing Authority administers 5 programs (HCV, Public Housing, Mainstream, PBV, RAD) — 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 or in person at their office at 315 E 5th St, La Junta, CO.
How long is the wait at Otero County Housing Authority?
Wait times at Otero County Housing Authority depend on demand in La Junta, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 46 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 3, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Otero County Housing Authority 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 Otero County Housing Authority, including La Junta Housing Authority, Rocky Ford Housing Authority (11 mi), Las Animas Housing Authority (18 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Colorado and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Colorado.
How do I contact Otero County Housing Authority?
You can reach Otero County Housing Authority by phone at (719) 384-9055. Their office is located at 315 E 5th St, La Junta, CO 81050. You can also email them at ljhous@yahoo.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Otero County Housing Authority?
Income limits for Otero County Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Otero County, CO (currently $76,700). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $51,000. 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.

Otero County Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Otero County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Otero County, CO. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,000. 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 $21,450 $35,700 $57,150
2 Persons $24,500 $40,800 $65,300
3 Persons $27,550 $45,900 $73,450
4 Persons $32,150 $51,000 $81,600
5 Persons $37,650 $55,100 $88,150
6 Persons $43,150 $59,200 $94,700
7 Persons $48,650 $63,250 $101,200
8 Persons $54,150 $67,350 $107,750
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $76,700 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.