March 05, 2008

DODD INTRODUCES BILL IMPROVING PROGRAM TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES FIND HOUSING

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, yesterday introduced the Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2008 (SEVRA). The Section 8 program is a successful public-private partnership where local agencies assist families in renting private market housing. Currently, Section 8 vouchers are used by almost 2 million low-income families across the nation, including many of our nation’s most vulnerable – children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Demand for safe, decent and stable housing is increasing in the face of the foreclosure crisis that is forcing millions of Americans, including many renters, to give up their homes. The SEVRA legislation will improve housing voucher assistance by ensuring more effective and efficient administration, helping to attract landlords by stabilizing funding, encouraging employment for renters, and ensuring the safety and adequacy of the housing, among other provisions. “Housing vouchers are successfully assisting millions of Americans who lack the financial footing necessary to purchase and own a home, and often are the only thing standing between shelter and being out on the street. In addition, these vouchers enable families to live closer to educational and employment opportunities as well as social and familial support networks,” said Dodd. “Section 8 has tremendous potential for serving even more Americans that are in need of this type of assistance, but the program does not have the resources it needs. I’m hopeful that this legislation will expand Section 8 and improve its efficacy so that more low-income families are able to receive help.” Joining Senator Dodd in introducing the bill are Senators Reed (D-RI), Schumer (D-NY), Menendez (D-NJ) and Brown (D-OH). A summary of the legislation and a list of supporters are attached as background. Click here for Section 8 Voucher Reform Act . Click here for a list of supporters .