Pre-applications open Monday, August 17, 2026.
The Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) will begin accepting online pre-applications for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing (PH) programs. The Authority will open the wait lists for the properties listed below.
Pre-applications will be accepted only for the property locations and bedroom sizes specifically listed in this announcement. Pre-applications submitted for any other property, location, or bedroom size that is not included in this announcement will not be processed and will be denied.
Public Housing, PBV Devonwood, El Mirador, Las Villas, Gateway Terrace, Grove, Midway, Twelve Thirteen, The Retreat, and Laurel Glen.
A valid email account is required to register online. Applications may only be submitted online by visiting the Authority’s website application portal at www.merced-pha.com (opens in new tab).
If you do not have access to the internet or need help applying, Self-Help Kiosks are available at 405 U Street, Merced. Assistance can be requested and is provided in order of arrival, or by appointment.
To schedule an appointment, call (209) 722-3501 extension 100. The estimated time to complete an application is 30 minutes.
A confirmation email will be delivered to the registered email address once the application has been accepted by the system. Please save the email and confirmation number as your receipt of the pre-application submission.
Additional information and assistance is available to submit your rental housing program wait list pre-application(s).
Online language translation is made available on the Authority’s website homepage at www.merced-pha.com (opens in new tab) and on the Applicant/Resident online portal at rental.merced-pha.com (opens in new tab) by selecting the Translate link located at the bottom of both homepages.
The Merced County Library provides free daily public access to computers and the internet.
Support services are made available through community partnering agencies that include but are not limited to:
By contacting the Authority, other accommodations for submitting an application may be made available by request and determined on a case-by-case basis.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance must contact the Authority at (209) 722-3501 extension 100 (TDD 711 or 800-855-7100) to request a reasonable accommodation prior to the close of the wait list.
The Authority oversees the Felix Torres Farmworker Housing Center, which provides sixty (60) units of year-round housing for agricultural / farmworker families located in the City of Planada.
This housing opportunity is for families who must have at least one person in the household earning a minimum of $5,752.50 annually from domestic farm labor, and/or families who have a retired or disabled farm labor worker in their household. Rents are income-based and are calculated at 30% of Area Median Income.
Please note: the person selected as head of household must hold legal status to work in the United States. Other eligibility screening criteria are applicable.
Interested persons can pick up a housing application by visiting the Center at 925 N. Plainsburg Rd., Planada, CA 95365, or download the application online at https://www.merced-pha.com/farm-labor.html.
Rental policies adhere to all fair housing laws and do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, marital status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or physical and/or mental disability.
Questions about Felix Torres Farmworker Housing?
Maria Alvarado — (209) 386-4130