As most of us are painfully aware, times are tough financially for most people right now. Everything is getting more expensive, and many families are finding it nearly impossible just to afford their basic living expenses. Housing in particular can really take a toll on the family budget, especially for low-income and working-class families. Housing costs have been soaring for both renters and buyers, with some of the biggest jumps coming in areas that had traditionally been among the most affordable, leaving fewer options for renters who are already struggling financially. 

One study found that there are no large U.S. cities where a minimum-wage earner can comfortably afford the rent on a one-bedroom apartment. By “comfortably afford,” the study’s authors mean the rent would be no more than 30 percent of the person’s income, which is a guideline that banks and financial experts have traditionally used. In reality, almost a third of all U.S. households – and roughly half of all renters – are spending that percentage of their income or more on housing. 

Now, a government program that represents a potential lifeline for many low-income families may undergo changes that could be a big blow to the most vulnerable Americans. 

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8),  operated through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),  helps low-income families, elderly persons, veterans, and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market. The program lets participating households receive a voucher that pays a portion of their rent. Participants must meet certain eligibility requirements – including having a household income under a certain amount – and must find an available rental with a landlord who will accept the voucher. But first, they must get on the waiting list, which is often a major accomplishment in itself. 

Officials from the Trump administration have recently discussed some changes they’re floating to low-income HUD housing programs, with potential changes including work requirements and a two-year maximum limit for Section 8. 

These rental assistance programs provide needy families with a little breathing room, alleviating some of the worry of keeping a roof over their heads, allowing them to catch up on other bills, and possibly even letting them save up a little bit of money for emergencies. A relatively short two-year limit would mean these families would have the rug pulled out from them just as they’re managing to get some stable footing. 

In May, HUD Secretary Scott Turner and three other Trump administration officials authored an op-ed in The New York Times advocating for mandatory work requirements for people enrolled in various safety net programs. Their stance ignores the fact that data shows that most safety net program participants who can work are already doing so. These work requirements can also require participants to navigate a tricky sort of tightrope, because if they earn a little too much, they may exceed the income limits that let them qualify for the program(s).  

The AP found that these proposed changes would hurt a lot of working families with low-wage earners, and could displace more than a million children. 

These changes would surely put more people at risk of homelessness at a time when the White House is also targeting the homeless population.. This begs the obvious question: if this critical rental assistance is taken away from families that can’t afford housing without it, where are those families supposed to go? 

I grew up in poverty and experienced housing insecurity and periods of homelessness throughout my childhood, so I know what it’s like to worry about not having stable housing you can afford. 

I’m also well aware of the red tape and long delays that can prevent many families from receiving this assistance in the first place. 

In many areas, the process of getting approved for low-income or subsidized housing is referred to as a “lottery” – and for those fortunate enough to finally get approved, it can indeed often feel like they’ve won the lottery. In many communities, it can be very difficult to even get on the waitlist at all, since applications may only be open rarely, sometimes spanning a year or more between open application periods. In my county, the waitlist opened up for online applications one day last year – and the portal closed again less than a half-hour later. Many people share stories on social media of being on a Section 8 waitlist for 5-10 years or longer. 

Now, with so much uncertainty around federal funding, there are reports that some communities have implemented a Section 8 freeze where no new vouchers are being processed. 

Taking away this vital safety net will mean some low-income families will no longer be able to afford a home – which in turn will further strain community resources that are already stretched incredibly thin. 

What’s next? 

It’s unclear when HUD may try to implement these proposed changes, or whether Congress will need to approve them. While Congress is in summer recess, voters should reach out to their lawmakers – and attend any town hall events in their area – to let their representatives know that HUD housing assistance programs should not only be protected, but should be expanded. The National Alliance to End Homelessness has tips for engaging with lawmakers over the summer. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has resources for those who want to learn about – and advocate on behalf of – initiatives to support affordable housing at the local and state levels.