El Camino Real Housing Authority

Socorro, New Mexico

Last Updated

22 hours ago

About El Camino Real Housing Authority

El Camino Real Housing Authority (PHA Code: NM077) provides housing assistance in Socorro, Socorro County, New Mexico. The authority manages approximately 640 assisted housing units, primarily offering Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible residents.

The authority's programs include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. All waiting lists for these programs are currently closed. The status of the VASH program waitlist is unknown. Recent activity for Project-Based Vouchers indicates periods where the list has opened and subsequently closed.

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet specific income requirements for their household size and area. For a family of four in Socorro County, NM, the Very Low Income limit is $34,400 per year. With all waiting lists currently closed, interested individuals should monitor official updates from the El Camino Real Housing Authority for future opportunities to apply.

Other Programs

5 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The waiting list for Socorro and Torrance Counties closed on June 30, 2024.

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

El Camino Real Housing Authority administers a Mainstream program. The general waiting list for Socorro County closed on June 30, 2024.

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

Project-based programs like Socorro Village and Vista Montano cater to senior citizens (62 or older or spouse 62 or older) or disabled persons. The general waiting list in Socorro County closed on June 30, 2024.

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

The general waiting list in Socorro and Torrance Counties closed on June 30, 2024.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Pending

No specific information regarding the waiting list status or application preferences for the HUD VASH program was found.

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

Status History

PBV Closed Mar 28, 2026
PBV Opened Mar 17, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 22, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 22, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 22, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official El Camino Real Housing Authority 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 301 Otero Ave E
City Socorro, NM 87801
PHA Code NM077
Section 8 Units 640

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 El Camino Real Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 4 waiting lists at El Camino Real Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at El Camino Real 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 $34,400/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 El Camino Real Housing Authority 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 El Camino Real Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. El Camino Real Housing Authority manages approximately 640 assisted housing units (640 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Socorro. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at El Camino Real Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at El Camino Real 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 Socorro. This program serves approximately 640 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at El Camino Real 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 El Camino Real Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Socorro. 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 El Camino Real 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.

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at El Camino Real Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Socorro. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at El Camino Real Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. El Camino Real Housing Authority administers 5 programs (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, VASH) — 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 301 Otero Ave E, Socorro, NM.
How long is the wait at El Camino Real Housing Authority?
Wait times at El Camino Real Housing Authority depend on demand in Socorro, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 640 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 28, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact El Camino Real 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 4 other housing authorities within 100 miles of El Camino Real Housing Authority, including Housing Authority of the City of Truth or Consequences (68 mi), City of Albuquerque Housing Authority (71 mi), Bernalillo County Housing Department (74 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New Mexico and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New Mexico.
How do I contact El Camino Real Housing Authority?
You can reach El Camino Real Housing Authority by phone at (575) 322-2171. Their office is located at 301 Otero Ave E, Socorro, NM 87801. You can also email them at maryann@socorrohousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for El Camino Real Housing Authority?
Income limits for El Camino Real Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Socorro County, NM (currently $63,800). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $34,400. 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.

El Camino Real Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the El Camino Real Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Socorro County, NM. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $34,400. 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 $15,650 $24,100 $38,550
2 Persons $21,150 $27,550 $44,050
3 Persons $26,650 $31,000 $49,550
4 Persons $32,150 $34,400 $55,050
5 Persons $37,200 $37,200 $59,500
6 Persons $39,950 $39,950 $63,900
7 Persons $42,700 $42,700 $68,300
8 Persons $45,450 $45,450 $72,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $63,800 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.