During the Great Depression, federal housing programs were put into place to address the need for affordable housing. Then in the 60s and 70s, subsidy programs were initiated to build affordable housing and give aid to low income families. Now more than ever, this need is being addressed because of the gentrification of downtown districts and otherwise good locations for affordable housing being turned into fancy apartments and apartments for the wealthy. This move towards gentrification has caused a lot of issues with downtown areas because the developers wish to build apartments and lofts for upper middle class renters, leaving the low income families out in the cold. This article defines Section 8, and steps that have been taken to ensure that low income families have adequate housing.
Exactly What is Section 8?
Section 8 is best defined as a program that is run by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide housing for low income families. It provides the housing for low income families through the use of a voucher system -- both tenant based vouchers and project based vouchers. The difference between the two voucher systems is this -- project based vouchers are created for housing complexes that are handled by a local housing authority. They ensure that up to 25% of a housing unit is set aside for low income families. The voucher is not transferable from the housing unit. Families moving cannot take the voucher with them. With tenant based vouchers, families find an apartment in the private sector and pay a portion of rent based on income. Generally, this is about 30%. The housing authority then pays the landlord the remaining amount of rent based on fair market rent, which is determined by HUD. The landlord cannot raise the rent on Section 8 voucher holders, even if other families in the unit have their rent raised on a regular basis.
The Case for Section 8
Many landlords do not want to rent to Section 8 tenants because they want renters in their buildings that they can raise rent on regularly. They also fear that people holding Section 8 vouchers will not take care of their property. However, it only makes good sense to rent to Section 8 renters, because there is always a guaranteed rent payment, and the fact that Section 8 will automatically raise the amount of payment each year in view of cost of living increase. It also makes good sense because a Section 8 renter is required to maintain the apartment in order to qualify for the voucher. There is also no current time limit on Section 8, so a good renter receiving a voucher is a sound investment for landlords. One good thing about Section 8 is that apartments and housing units must meet federal housing standards for quality. This ensures that a low income family has a safe, healthy apartment to live in.
Problems With Section 8
Like any federal program, Section 8 is not without its own unique problems. Many families are forced to wait 3 to 5 years waiting on the list to find housing. In certain geographical areas, new applicants cannot get on the waiting list. The system is also not without its own problems. A report in the LA Times on Sunday Oct. 21 reported that Rudolf Montiel, new head of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles found a lot of corruption and fraud. Apparently, Section 8 vouchers were sold on the black market, and this action allowed hundreds of illegal immigrants to jump to the top of a 10 year waiting list over others who are poor or disabled. Montiel has been working for over 3 years to fight the corruption and fraud, and has been having limited success.
Section 8 housing is a good thing for low income families. The waiting period for Section 8 housing is hard on families that live paycheck to paycheck. The corruption and problems in local housing authorities doesn't go well for them, either. Outside of that, it is a way for low income families to be able to find affordable housing and live in a home that is both safe and healthy for them and their family. Information on section 8 housing can be gained from your local housing authority. If you are in need of affordable housing, get in touch with them, and they will work with you to help find a place to live.
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