Operation Breakthrough — Income-Restricted Housing in Chama, NM 87520
499 Rio Del Oso St, Chama, NM 87520
38 units · 37 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Housing Authority of the Village of Chama
- Residents waited about 3 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
- Several buildings — call for addresses
Housing authority: (575) 756-2986Directions
How to apply
- Apply through Housing Authority of the Village of Chama. They run this development and take applications.
- Call the housing authority at (575) 756-2986.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Bedrooms (estimated)
- 10 1 bedroom · 12 2 bedrooms · 17 3 bedrooms
- Average tenant rent
- $300/mo
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Nearby income-restricted buildings
Rents and income limits in 87520
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,010/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $40,400/yr
- Renters in 87520 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 54%
Income limits (2026)
Rio Arriba County, NM area · median family income $73,700. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $25,800 | $41,300 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,500 | $47,200 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $33,200 | $53,100 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $36,850 | $58,950 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 6 | $42,750 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 7 | $45,700 | $45,700 | $73,100 |
| 8 | $48,650 | $48,650 | $77,850 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 87520 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $820 | $822 |
| 1 bedroom | $830 | $833 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,010 | $1,014 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,400 | $1,387 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,610 | $1,597 |
Wider area = Rio Arriba County, NM. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 4 nearby ZIPs range from $1,010 (87551) to $1,370 (81128).
Census figures for 87520 (2020–2024 average): median rent $570. Median household income $38,889. 14% of homes are rented. 54% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 0% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 87520's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 87520Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Operation Breakthrough?
Apply through Housing Authority of the Village of Chama, which runs Operation Breakthrough. Call (575) 756-2986. Do not treat a walk-up at the building as the application. These records do not show openings.
Is Operation Breakthrough Section 8 housing?
Operation Breakthrough is public housing, not a project-based Section 8 contract. Apply with the housing authority. A Housing Choice Voucher is a separate program.
How many units are at Operation Breakthrough?
Public records list 38 units at Operation Breakthrough in Chama, NM 87520. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near Operation Breakthrough?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 87520 and nearby ZIP codes. Open a nearby card for the address and phone. Lists still do not show vacancies.
People Also Ask
How do I get into Operation Breakthrough?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at Operation Breakthrough in Chama, NM 87520. Public housing is through the housing authority. Bring ID and income documents when they tell you to. This site cannot submit an application for you.
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Chama, NM 87520?
Most income-restricted buildings in Chama, NM 87520 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $25,800, and $36,850 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($41,300 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Chama, NM 87520?
For many programs in Chama, NM 87520, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $25,800 a year for 1 person and $36,850 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $41,300 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Chama, NM 87520?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Chama, NM 87520, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Chama, NM 87520 is $1,010 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Does Operation Breakthrough take Section 8 vouchers?
This file does not say that Operation Breakthrough has a project-based Section 8 contract. Some landlords in Chama, NM 87520 accept Housing Choice Vouchers; you have to ask. Apply for a voucher with the housing authority, then call Operation Breakthrough.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying. Report a correction.