Section 8 and Housing Vouchers - HUD and Affordability

BRIEF HISTORY OF Public Housing Projects  (1940 – 1960) were an idea whereby cities and states would build Public Housing “Projects” for the poor. While the idea was correct – it did not go far enough to “mainstream”  the poor (socially and economically) into the general population.  Simply we lumped a group of economically disadvantaged people into government built sections of a city – separating them from the rest of the city socially.   

At the time these new projects were built, it was on the less desirable pieces of property in the City – near major highways, industrial sections of town etc.

These projects began to fail as the surrounding communities faltered, buildings deteriorated and continuing services were not rendered – social services, physical services etc. Across the nation, we have slowly begun to dismantle these projects and build new affordable and low income housing and offering housing vouchers, empowering people to find affordable housing within a community of their choice.

TODAY - SECTION 8 - HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAMS The new Housing Programs  or Social Service Programs , designed and administered by US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are designed to encourage the disadvantaged to seek housing in the generally community they wish to live. This is mainstreaming. This is the same concept being used in schools across the nation. The idea is bring those who are disadvantaged the same general opportunities  (equality) as those without the disadvantage.

Many people are poor due to disability, abuse, physically handicap or age. Others may have been in trouble in the past, but are seeking a new life.

The Section 8 Rental Voucher Program enables affordable housing choices for very low-income households by permitting families to choose privately owned rental housing. 

TO FURTHER EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC HOUSING SEE: 
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