Only a few years ago, the phrase “Section 8” meant run-down, high-occupancy apartment living, often in the most crime-infested part of town. Not anymore.
Now, apartment owners are coming to like the idea of the government paying a high percentage of the monthly rent. At least it is a check they can depend on. As a result, Section 8 renters are living in much nicer — and in some cases, much, much nicer — homes.
GoSection8.com has a database of Section 8 housing around the country.
GoSection8.com has a database of Section 8 housing around the country.
The Wall Street Journal explained:
“The change marks one of the most dramatic shifts since the 1974 creation of Section 8, nicknamed after its location in the U.S. Housing and Community Development Act. The $18.1 billion Housing and Urban Development program offers more than 2 million families the chance to live outside of housing projects. Recipients pay a certain percentage of their income, typically no more than 30%, each month. The government directly deposits the payment, so landlords don’t have to fret about late rent or bounced checks.”
It’s no wonder, then, that Section 8 housing is attracting attention. This week, for the first time in eight years, a suburban Atlanta housing authority opened up its application process. An estimated 30,000 people showed up to ask for help.
How long is the line for Section 8 housing where you are? What is the process? Who is waiting? Why are they waiting?
