Between 2012 and 2013, the number of Washington residents living in poverty jumped by more than 50,000 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This increase in the poverty rate alongside higher income inequality shows that the post-recession economic recovery has not reached many low-income people. Additionally, with more than 30,000 school children and their families experiencing homelessness in Wa
shington—a number released in early 2016—it is clear that homelessness is a pervasive and rising issue in our state. A recent point-in-time count found that 4,505 people were outside in King County alone, and 6,000 were expected to be living in shelters. As this number continues to grow, advocates have fought for funding and support to get these people into homes - not shelters. Homes are said to be a key factor in inducing stability, and data shows that only 12 percent of households returned to homelessness after acquiring permanent housing. One way to get more people into more permanent homes is through Section 8, or “housing choice” voucher programs. Section 8 is the federal government’s primary program to provide housing for Americans who are living in poverty, as well as the elderly and disabled. It provides qualifying families with assistance in paying the monthly rental fee for homes, and apartments are located anywhere- not just in subsidized housing projects. Local municipal public housing authorities generally pay the private landlord the difference between 30 percent of the renter’s household income and the payment standard, which is approximately 80 to 100 percent of the fair market rent. The public housing authorities receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to administer these voucher programs. However, there are some major challenges facing Homeward as we advocate to end income discrimination. Income discrimination occurs when, in the search for a home, many individuals and families face outright or unintentional discrimination by landlords unwilling to rent to Section 8 voucher holders. According to the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, this legal discrimination based on one's source of income is a loophole in the state’s fair housing laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on race, national origin, or religion. Source of income discrimination disproportionately affects people of color, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as they comprise a disproportionately high population of voucher recipients. In many cities, discrimination against Section 8 vouchers is often a cover up for discrimination on basis of race, age, or disability.
