Section 8 refers to building-based and tenant-based rental subsidy programs first created in section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program went into effect in October 1999 and it replaces the Section 8 certificate and voucher programs. The terms Section 8 and Housing Choice Voucher are still used interchangeably.
The Impact of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA) on the Housing Rights and Options of Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
This Q&A document explains the key housing provisions of VAWA 2005, including housing-related grant programs, amendments to public housing and section 8 regarding eviction defense, eligibility, and portability, HMIS changes, and new planning requirements.
Housing and Battered Women: Increasing Battered Women's Access to Federal Housing Programs
This paper is a brief advocacy guide on two sets of HUD proposed regulations issued in April and May 1999. Both sets of regulations involved directives urging public housing authorities to have preferences for victims of domestic violence. While the issue of the 1999 regulations is over for now, the paper is relevant by offering basic information about continuing issues such as why battered women would want to get in a housing program as soon as possible and how to advocate with public housing authorities in their annual and five-year planning processes.
Housing and Battered Women: Using Housing Vouchers to Assist Battered Women Move From Welfare to Work
This was written to provide domestic violence advocates with information and strategies to promote the use of HUD's new welfare-to-work housing vouchers as a resource to assist battered women receiving public assistance. The paper identifies barriers faced by many battered women as they attempt to move from welfare to work and identifies how the new voucher program can help women overcome these obstacles.
Introduction to the Housing Voucher Program
The paper includes a short research review outlining studies showing that vouchers are a highly effective form of assistance.
New HUD Guidance Accommodating People with Disabilities in the Section 8 Program
The piece covers non-physical modifications such as reinstatement on waiting lists, assistance in finding an accessible unit, referral services, voucher terms, exception payment standards, higher utility allowances, live-in aides, and renting from a blood relative. Basic strategies for requesting reasonable accommodations are also provided. Advocates may find this article helpful for working with PHA's and with survivors and their family members with disabilities.
Available from: Contact the NRCDV at 1-800-537-2238 and 1-800-553-2508 (TTY)
Section 8 Made Simple: Using The Housing Choice Voucher Program To Assist People With Disabilities
This guidebook is intended for people with disabilities, their families, and service providers seeking comprehensive information on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It provides information on how to engage public housing agency staff to help people with disabilities participate in the Section 8 program.
Strategies To Help People With Disabilities Be Successful In The Housing Choice Voucher Program
This booklet offers information on strategies to increase utilization of Housing Choice Vouchers, responsibilities under fair housing laws, relevant information on the Medicaid program, and implications of the US Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C.