Low Income? In Need of Affordable Housing?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program
Families who are of low-income, disabled, or are elderly make use of this program to help with rent in the private market. The program is funded federally from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. HUD then disperses funds to local public housing agencies, or PHAs. The program was started in 1974. “President Richard Nixon supported the creation of the tenant-based Section 8 program as an alternative to the government involvement in producing affordable multifamily apartment” (p. 4-38) (1). “Housing vouchers are one of the major federal programs intended to bridge the gap between the cost of housing and the incomes of low wage earners, people on limited fixed incomes, and other poor people.” (p. 4-38) (1)
Before vouchers were given in 1974 the government was trying to end the housing problems for low income families. Around 1949 public housing was built to provide low-income families with an affordable place to live. The program, however, did not solve the housing problem. A shift in policy allowed users of the vouchers to rent from the private market. Without this program many low-income families would face the possibility of homelessness. (2)
This program serves approximately 5.3 million people in 2.2 American households. (4) If you or your family falls with in the income guidelines this program would help you find suitable housing. You can find income and family size guidelines at Hud.gov to see if you qualify for assistance. If you do qualify, and receive a voucher, the voucher will pay a certain portion of the rent and you will be responsible for the difference. (3)
This policy greatly affects a family’s ability to receive affordable and safe housing. It enables children to live in better and safer neighborhoods. The money saved in rent helps alleviate other monthly expenses such as food and other necessities.
The program does have an exceptional waiting list. Since the funding is finite not everyone who qualifies for a voucher will receive one. There is also the possibility that private landlords will not accept the voucher.
Many Americans have opposing views of the program. Some feel that the government is spending too much taxpayer money on them. They might also feel that it is a personal, not governmental, duty to find and afford housing. Those who support the program feel that it is alleviating homelessness and providing children, disabled, and elderly with affordable housing. The program also gives people the option to live where they want as opposed to low-income housing.
Recently this policy has come under review by President Donald Trump. Funding is not rising with the projected need. Estimates of $19.8 Billion are projected while only $17.6 Billion is being proposed on the budget. This change could affect approximately 100,000 voucher holders. (5) The actual spending on all tenant-based housing assistance (the Housing Choice Voucher Program is the largest tenant-based housing assistance program) was $20.3 billion in 2017, and in April of 2018 the Congressional Budget Office estimated total spending in 2018 would be $20.6 billion (6).
This program can be a vital tool in finding affordable and livable housing. It is recommended to get on the waiting list as soon as possible since funding is limited. For more information about applying visit Hud.org.
References
- Row 1288 columns K and L of Sheet “1. CBO’s April 2018 Baseline” in the April 2018 Spending Projections, by Budget Account spreadsheet available at https://www.cbo.gov/about/products/budget-economic-data
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