Section 8 Housing: Home

This guide is an introduction only to Section 8 Housing in the City and County of San Diego. It is not intended to be a comprehensive resource. Additional research may be necessary. If you require further assistance, please consult a reference librarian.

The San Diego Law Library is San Diego's access point to legal information, resources, and referrals to help you. Click here for hours and partner locations or contact us at refdesk@sdlawlibrary.org or 619-531-3900.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a federally funded program by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Cities and counties across the country have different rules and eligibility guidelines to apply for, receive, and maintain assistance. 

The information in this guide is specific to the City of San Diego and County of San Diego. Please note the City and County have two different systems to determine eligibility for, apply for, and receive assistance. Ensure that you are applying for assistance in the jurisdiction in which you live or want to live.

Below are common terms and abbreviations you may see in this guide:

• HCV - Housing Choice Voucher
  • The type of assistance received through Section 8.
• SDHC - San Diego Housing Commission 
  • This is the Section 8 authority for City of San Diego residents.
• HACSD - Housing Authority of the County of San Diego
  • This is the Section 8 authority for residents in San Diego County, but outside of the City of San Diego.
• PHA - Public Housing Agencies
  • The local authority that administers Housing Choice Vouchers. SDHC and HACSD are PHAs.
• HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • HUD funds and creates the regulations for the Section 8 Voucher program.
• Portability 
  • The HUD's term for moving between jurisdictions with a voucher. You can "port-in" to a new jurisdiction and "port-out" of your current jurisdiction.

If you are in need of emergency assistance or placement, you can contact:

• Call 211 or e-mail 211help@211sandiego.org
  • Call 711 if you are hearing impaired
• Contact a Coordinated Entry Access Site

Housing instability can be distressing:

• Contact the SAMHSA National Helpline for information and treatment referrals
  • Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text 988
  • Call 1-800-487-4889 if you are hearing impaired

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