Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

Waiting Lists

Learn more about Housing Authority of the County of San Diego.

Open: San Diego County, California Section 8 HCV

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently open, since at least September, 2018, until further notice. 

To apply, complete the online application here.

This waiting list has the following preferences: Live or work in San Diego County, dependent children, working at least 32 hours per week, 62 years old or older, disabled, veteran, homeless.

Selected applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time of application submission, by order of preferences.

The wait to receive assistance may be 8-10 years or more, depending on the funding levels for the HACSD.

For more information, visit the HACSD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher page, or the HACSD website.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

Next Steps

Learn more about what happens after the application is submitted.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Section 8 Project-Based Voucher

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) waiting list for Section 8 Project-Based Voucher apartments is currently open, since at least December 18, 2018, until further notice. 

To apply, complete the online application here.

For more information, visit the HACSD Project-Based Vouchers page, or the HACSD website.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Section 8 Project-Based Voucher tenants are required to live in a specific apartment community or scattered site. After one year of occupancy, a Project-Based Voucher tenant may request to be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available Housing Choice Voucher or similar tenant-based rental assistance.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Villa de Vida Poway Section 8 Project-Based Voucher

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) waiting list for 1 and 2-Bedroom Project-Based Voucher apartments at Villa de Vida Poway is currently open. Applications are being accepted from February 26, 2020 at 7:30 am PT, until further notice.

  • The Villa de Vida Poway Apartments are for adults with developmental disabilities, and are located at 12341 Oak Knoll Rd, Poway, CA 92064.

Please note: This waiting list includes 53 Project-Based Vouchers; 50 one-bedroom units and 3 two-bedroom units.

There are three ways to apply during the opening period:

  1. Complete the online application here.
  2. Call (858) 694-4801.
  3. In person at 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123.

This waiting list has the following preferences:

  • Live or work within HACSD’s jurisdiction, Head/Spouse/Co-head with developmental disabilities or persons with disabilities that would benefit from the services offered at the development. Applicant must also meet income limit requirements.

Selected applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received, weighed by order of preferences.

For more information, visit the HACSD website.

Sources: This information was verified by the HACSD website, as of January 28, 2020.

Service Area

This waiting list is for Section 8 Project-Based Voucher rental assistance in Poway, California.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Section 8 Project-Based Voucher tenants are required to live in a specific apartment community or scattered site. After one year of occupancy, a Project-Based Voucher tenant may request to be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available Housing Choice Voucher or similar tenant-based rental assistance.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Villa Lakeshore Section 8 Project-Based Voucher

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) waiting list for 2 and 3-Bedroom Project-Based Voucher apartments at Villa Lakeshore is currently open.

The HACSD is accepting applications for this waiting list from November 30, 2021 at 7:30 am PT, until further notice.

  • Villa Lakeshore is located at 12606 Lakeshore Dr. Lakeside, CA 92040.

Please note: This waiting list includes 28 Project-Based Vouchers: 25 two-bedroom units and 3 three-bedroom units.

There are three ways to apply during the opening period:

  1. Complete the online application here.
  2. Call (858) 694-4801.
  3. In person at 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123.

This waiting list has the following preferences: The highest preference goes to those who live or work in our jurisdiction AND have one of the following:

  • Dependent children
  • Elderly person (head of household or spouse is 62 years of age or older)
  • Disabled person (head of household or spouse is disabled)
  • Veteran or surviving spouse of veteran (other than dishonorable discharge)
  • Working applicant (Must have worked at least 32-plus hours per week for the previous 12 months). Applicants may combine job training or an academic program as part of the previous 12-month requirement.
  • Homeless 

Selected applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received, weighed by order of preferences.

For more information, visit the HACSD website.

Sources: This information was verified by the HACSD on November 30, 2021.

Service Area

This waiting list is for Section 8 Project-Based Voucher rental assistance in Lakeside, California.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Section 8 Project-Based Voucher tenants are required to live in a specific apartment community or scattered site. After one year of occupancy, a Project-Based Voucher tenant may request to be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available Housing Choice Voucher or similar tenant-based rental assistance.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Schmale Senior Residence Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) Senior (62+) Section 8 Project-Based Voucher waiting list for apartments at Schmale Senior Residence in Ramonda, CA is currently open, from December 18, 2018 at 7:30 am PT, until further notice.

There are three ways to apply:

  1. Complete the online application here.
  2. Call (858) 694-4801, or toll free (877) 478-5478.
  3. Complete the application in person at 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA  92123.

For more information, visit the HACSD Project-Based Vouchers page, or the HACSD website.

Service Area

This waiting list is for Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher rental assistance in Ramona, California.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801, or toll free (877) 478-5478.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Section 8 Project-Based Voucher tenants are required to live in a specific apartment community or scattered site. After one year of occupancy, a Project-Based Voucher tenant may request to be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available Housing Choice Voucher or similar tenant-based rental assistance.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: The Grove Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) waiting list for 1 and 2-Bedroom, Senior Project-Based Voucher apartments at The Grove is currently open. Applications are being accepted from March 4, 2020 at 7:30 am PT, until further notice.

Please note:

  • According to the HACSD, "all household members must be 62 years of age or older or meet the “Seniors” definition under California Civil Code 51.3."
  • The Grove will include 24 Project-Based Vouchers; 20 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units. The Grove will be located on Civic Center Drive, near S. Santa Fe Ave.

There are three ways to apply during the opening period:

  1. Complete the online application here.
  2. Call (858) 694-4801, Press option 3.
  3.  In person at the HACSD, located at 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123.

This waiting list has the following preferences:

  • Live or work within HACSD’s jurisdiction,all household members must be 62 years of age or older or meet the “Seniors” definition under California Civil Code 51.3. Applicant must also meet income limit requirements.

Selected applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received, weighed by order of preferences.

For more information, visit the HACSD website.

Sources: This information was verified by the HACSD website, as of March 3, 2020.

Service Area

This waiting list is for Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher rental assistance in Vista, California.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Section 8 Project-Based Voucher tenants are required to live in a specific apartment community or scattered site. After one year of occupancy, a Project-Based Voucher tenant may request to be placed on a waiting list to receive the next available Housing Choice Voucher or similar tenant-based rental assistance.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Public Housing

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) Public Housing waiting list is currently open, since at least December 18, 2018, until further notice. Waiting lists for a specific community or bedroom size may be closed.

To apply, complete the online application here.

For more information, visit the HACSD Public Housing page here.

Service Area

This waiting list is for Public Housing rental assistance in Chula Vista, California. Apartments offered through this waiting list are only located within this service area.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

Next Steps

Learn more about what happens after the application is submitted.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) waiting list is currently open, since at least December 18, 2018, until further notice.

To apply, complete the online application here.

For more information, visit the HACSD HOPWA page here.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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Open: Moderate Rehabilitation Program

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) waiting list for Moderate Rehabilitation apartments is currently open, since at least December, 2018, until further notice.

To apply, complete the online application here.

For more information, visit the HACSD Moderate Rehabilitation Program page, or the HACSD website.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who need help completing the application due to disability can make a reasonable accommodation request to the housing authority via (858) 694-4801.

Last Updated on 11/18/2022.

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About Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA | Visit Website | (858) 694-4801

Housing Authority of the County of San Diego provides affordable housing for up to 11,943 households through its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs.

In addition, Housing Authority of the County of San Diego offers other programs for low and moderate income households, including:

  • Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
  • Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
  • Moderate Rehabilitation
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

Housing Authority Jurisdiction
Low-income housing managed by Housing Authority of the County of San Diego is located in San Diego County, CA.. The housing authority does not serve Carlsbad, Encinitas, National City, Oceanside and San Diego.

Households with a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher managed by this housing authority must rent within its jurisdiction.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

More information about the HACSD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program can be found here.

Public Housing Program

More information about the HACSD Public Housing Program can be found here.

Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program

More information about the HACSD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program can be found here.

Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program

More information about the HACSD Project-Based Voucher Program can be found here.

Moderate Rehabilitation Program

More information about the HACSD Moderate Rehabilitation Program can be found here.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program

More information about the HACSD Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program can be found here.

About the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

As of the HUDs most recent Voucher Management System report, Housing Authority of the County of San Diego manages 10,350 active Housing Choice Vouchers.

The following table summarizes types of vouchers managed and the monthly costs of each as of December 31st, 2021:

Standard Homeownership Family Unification Tenant Protection Ported Out VASH
Vouchers 9,191 3 20 196 211 580
Monthly Cost Per Voucher $1,203 $1,481 $1,728 $894 $1,189 $1,120
Monthly Cost $11,053,836 $4,444 $34,564 $175,318 $250,832 $649,704
Waiting List and Tenancy

According to the 2016 Q4 Picture of Subsidized Households database, the housing authority's voucher program has an annual turnover of 7% having issued approximately 1,503 vouchers in the past year. The average voucher holder has received housing benefits for 9 years and 10 months. According to the 2016 PSH database, persons who were issued a voucher in the preceding 12 months waited an average of 84 months on the waiting list1.

Income Characteristics

According to 2016 Q4 Picture of Subsidized Households data, the average voucher household contains 2.3 persons and has a household income of $16,885 per year. 95% of households were very low income (VLI) and 78% were extremely low income (ELI). 29% of households had wages as a major source of income, 6% of households had welfare (TANF, General Assistance or Public Assistance) as their primary source of income, and 65% of households had other income (Social Security, Disability or Pension) as their major source of income.

Heads of Household Characteristics

0% of households were headed by a person 24 years old or less, 37% were headed by a person 25 to 49 years old, 26% were headed by a person 51 to 60 years old, and 37% were headed by a person 62 years old or older. In addition, 4% of households were headed by a person 85 years old or older.

35% of households included children, 10% of which had two adults in the household. 29% of households with children have a female head of household. 76% of all households were headed by a female.

55% of all voucher households were headed by minorities with 15% of all heads of households being Black and 0% being Hispanic.

Of all households participating in the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Housing Choice Voucher program, 28% include at least one person with a disability. 38% of households with a head of household 61 years or less were headed by a person with a disability. 80% of households headed by someone 62 or older were headed by a person with a disability.

Bedroom Size and Overhousing

34% of voucher holders reside in a home with zero or 1 bedroom, 41% with 2 bedrooms and 25% with 3 or more bedrooms. 15% of voucher recipients are considered overhoused, meaning they occupy a rental unit larger than their family size requires.

Rent, Assistance, and Utility Allowances

The average monthly tenant contribution to rent by Housing Authority of the County of San Diego voucher holders in 2016 was $450 and the average monthly HUD expenditure per voucher holder was $1,011. The average utility allowance across all voucher recipients is $81.

1. This Picture of Subsidized Households data field is the average wait time of those who received a voucher in the preceding 12 months. Due to special voucher programs like VASH, recent waiting list purges, or waiting list preferences the average wait time can vary significantly from one year to the next and it is entirely possible many current applicants on the waiting list have been waiting for assistance for far longer.