Letters to the Editor: A Section 8 crisis in a world with abundant luxury condos, yachts and estates
June 28, 2014, 2:55 pm
In recent weeks, we have learned that there is a crisis in Section 8 housing. We recently learned that more than 1,100 low-income seniors, who should be receiving Section 8 housing, will receive rental vouchers. The problem? The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed denying Section 8 housing to as many as 700,000 households.
No private sector company wants to be forced to accept Section 8 housing for its low-income tenants. The only logical reason these tenants would accept Section 8 housing is to avoid the costs, fees, and penalties HUD imposes on them. This cost includes the annual rent increases caused by the high market value of Section 8 properties.
Section 8 evictions must be based on a proper financial analysis, not on an arbitrary quota. The U.S. Constitution guarantees due process, yet HUD ignores the Constitution by using Section 8 as a means to force low income housing tenants to accept Section 8 housing without the protections afforded by due process. This is a crime against the Constitution and the rights of low-income seniors in the U.S.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD) is creating a “chronic shortage” of new homes when the existing stock is at capacity and when housing is not affordable. What would be more affordable for the elderly and low income families and seniors? HUD is asking seniors to accept a voucher that would be a rent increase of approximately 20 percent. HUD does not provide assistance that meets the needs of seniors for housing, but instead wants to create a new class of subsidized homes for families.
I wish to point out that Section 8, when used wisely, is an option for these seniors and low income households. If HUD is willing to use Section 8 as a tool to eliminate more subsidized housing, it is time to eliminate Section 8 and make it legal for seniors and low-income people to buy their own homes.
I look forward to being a partner in this effort for seniors and low-
