Nice Post Fran. I do think universal vouchers would need to deal with the issue of so many folks not being able to use their vouchers. Furman shows the percentage (over 40%) is growing, especially in rural areas apparently. So, it seems like requiring all federally assisted (well beyond LIHTC) properties to accept vouchers would be key, as would ample ability to convert tenant vouchers to project-based vouchers to expand supply of available properties. Otherwise the failure rate could worsen. In the meantime, I will dream of a future when any of these policies might be feasible politically.
Thanks, Dan! You have forgotten more about housing research than I will ever know, so I appreciate you pointing everyone to the low voucher acceptance rates and how to remedy by tying acceptance to all federal subsidies. (And I share your dream of a future where these policies are back on the table!)
The discrimination against renters with a housing voucher is real. One might think that these are especially solid renters with guaranteed rent assistance, but that is not true. I have represented clients who have had to request additional time to find a home even with their housing voucher in hand and lots of incentive to find a landlord that will accept their voucher.
A housing voucher has an expiration date by which a renter must find acceptable housing or lose the voucher.
Great post - it's shocking how many holes there are in the social safety net even today, BEFORE the current administration in our country and state intentionally take a pair of scissors to it.
This further exemplifies the need to imagine a better world than the status quo! Thanks for helping in that work!
Nice Post Fran. I do think universal vouchers would need to deal with the issue of so many folks not being able to use their vouchers. Furman shows the percentage (over 40%) is growing, especially in rural areas apparently. So, it seems like requiring all federally assisted (well beyond LIHTC) properties to accept vouchers would be key, as would ample ability to convert tenant vouchers to project-based vouchers to expand supply of available properties. Otherwise the failure rate could worsen. In the meantime, I will dream of a future when any of these policies might be feasible politically.
Thanks, Dan! You have forgotten more about housing research than I will ever know, so I appreciate you pointing everyone to the low voucher acceptance rates and how to remedy by tying acceptance to all federal subsidies. (And I share your dream of a future where these policies are back on the table!)
The discrimination against renters with a housing voucher is real. One might think that these are especially solid renters with guaranteed rent assistance, but that is not true. I have represented clients who have had to request additional time to find a home even with their housing voucher in hand and lots of incentive to find a landlord that will accept their voucher.
A housing voucher has an expiration date by which a renter must find acceptable housing or lose the voucher.
Great post - it's shocking how many holes there are in the social safety net even today, BEFORE the current administration in our country and state intentionally take a pair of scissors to it.
This further exemplifies the need to imagine a better world than the status quo! Thanks for helping in that work!