Waiting list opens for housing assistance program in Oxnard

The City of Oxnard is opening up the waiting list for housing assistance programs. It’s the first time in nearly seven years.

“The last time we opened our wait list was back in 2013,” said Brenda Lopez. “So we are urging the public to apply.”

Brenda Lopez is the housing program manager for Oxnard. She said that come January 15 people will be able to apply for housing assistance programs.

“The programs will be public housing and Section 8, and also what is called public based vouchers which are basically assistance tied to certain projects,” said Lopez.

Lopez says all residents are welcome to apply, but it is based on a first come first served policy.

“We will be closing the wait list once we have enough applicants,” said Lopez.

It could be years before the waiting list opens back up again. The qualifications are based on annual income and household size provided by HUD.

“Public housing what that mean is that those units are owned by the housing authority here in the City of Oxnard,” said Lopez. “You pay your portion of rent and then we pay the rest. In Section 8 that is more of a voucher program, think of it like a certificate.”

Applicants can sign up for as many programs that apply to them. That process all happens online.

For more information, or to apply you can log on to: https://www.oxnard.org/city-department/housing/