Knock, knock: Albuquerque Housing Authority opens doors to Section 8 and public housing applicants

By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. — Albuquerque-area renters searching for an affordable place to live have a limited window to get in line for federal housing help, and the deadline for one program is already approaching.

The Albuquerque Housing Authority opens pre-applications for its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program on Friday, Oct. 16, and accepts them through Nov. 15. Pre-applications for its Public Housing program are now open through Oct. 31, according to an AHA press release.

Albuquerque Housing Authority’s apartments at Broadway and McKnight added 54 affordable units to the city’s housing stock when AHA cut the ribbon on the project in 2023. AHA is accepting pre-applications for its Public Housing program through Oct. 31 and for Section 8 vouchers from Oct. 16 through Nov. 15. (Courtesy of Albuquerque Housing Authority)

Getting in line doesn’t guarantee a voucher. AHA selects Section 8 applicants at random for eligibility screening, and available funding determines how many get picked. Households that applied in past years without receiving a voucher must reapply.

Executive Director Linda Bridge said the programs give “options for senior, disabled and family households to secure affordable housing.”

AHA is the state’s largest housing authority. It runs 648 public housing units at 18 sites across Albuquerque. Its Section 8 program serves about 3,000 households in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County and pays landlords more than $27 million in rent each year. Federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fund both programs. AHA is also accepting pre-applications for project-based vouchers at two properties.

Apply for housing assistance (free):

Section 8 vouchers: Oct. 16 – Nov. 15

Public Housing: now through Oct. 31

Online: abqha.org

Help or disability accommodations: 505-764-3920, 505-764-3953 or update@abqha.org

Office: 1840 University Blvd. SE, Albuquerque

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