Nogales reports 98% public-housing occupancy, waiting lists remain long

The Housing Authority of the City of Nogales reported that public housing is at 98% occupancy and that the authority is managing multiple voucher programs, while waiting lists for smaller units remain long.

Director Armendariz told the board, "we have 98% occupancy rate right now," and said HUD's target is 98%. She reported waiting-list counts for public housing by bedroom size: 175 applicants for one-bedroom units, 108 for two-bedroom, 56 for three-bedroom and 2 for four-bedroom units; the authority intends to purge waiting lists beginning Nov. 15 to confirm continued interest.

On Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), staff said the authority administers 202 vouchers with 92% occupancy, below the HUD goal of 98%. Armendariz explained that voucher-holders labeled "out" have their voucher but are still searching for a unit and that eligibility remains pending for several applicants while background checks and documentation are completed.

The authority also reported 20 project-based vouchers linked to the Bowman Center (one referral pending), five stability vouchers distributed by a Mariposa-led coalition (with one available to be decided at the next coalition meeting), and 15 emergency housing vouchers of which 10 are leased; staff said emergency vouchers are nonrenewable and tied to the household's emergency status.

Commissioners asked whether emergency-voucher holders may apply for regular Housing Choice Vouchers; staff said they may. Board members discussed local shortages of one-bedroom units and priority points that move veterans, elderly and disabled applicants higher on public-housing lists.

Staff said it will proceed with the waiting-list purge and return updated counts to the board.