Mitigating apprehension about section 8 vouchers: The positive role of housing specialists in search and placement Article

Marr, MD. (2005). Mitigating apprehension about section 8 vouchers: The positive role of housing specialists in search and placement . 16(1), 85-111. 10.1080/10511482.2005.9521535

cited authors

  • Marr, MD

authors

abstract

  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has found that Section 8 voucher recipients are often unable to secure apartments outside of high-poverty areas in tight urban rental markets. However, intensive housing placement services greatly improve the success and mobility of voucher holders. Drawing on ethnographic research in the housing placement department of a private, nonprofit community-based organization, I first describe how fundamental problems in implementing the public subsidy program in a tight private rental market generate apprehension among landlords and voucher recipients that can prevent the successful use of vouchers. Second, I demonstrate how housing placement specialists can dispel and overcome this apprehension through a variety of tactics that require extensive soft skills and a deep commitment to the mission of housing poor families. These findings provide support for the increased use of housing placement services to improve success and mobility rates for Section 8 vouchers. © Fannie Mae Foundation 2005. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • January 1, 2005

keywords

  • ASSISTANCE
  • CHOICE
  • Development Studies
  • MIXED-INCOME
  • MOBILITY
  • OPPORTUNITIES
  • PROGRAM
  • Social Sciences
  • Urban Studies
  • housing assistance programs
  • mobility
  • section 8 housing programs

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

publisher

  • FANNIE MAE FOUNDATION

start page

  • 85

end page

  • 111

volume

  • 16

issue

  • 1