Housing Success Story
October 26, 2010
In the Fall of 2008, Commissioner Fish convened the Section 8 Success Rate Task Force to help voucher-holders in our community become more successful in finding a place to rent. He co-chaired the task force with County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury.
The Section 8 program, administered locally by the Housing Authority of Portland, provides rent assistance to low-income seniors, young families, and people with disabilities. It serves 8,300 households - more than 18,400 people - each month and brings $50 million in federal funding to our community every year.
Nick convened the task force because too many voucher-holders were unable to find a home. At one point, the "success rate" dropped below 75%.
In partnership with tenant advocates, private landlords, Multnomah County, and the Portland Housing Bureau, the Housing Authority of Portland took bold steps to improve the program.
We're pleased to report that the success rate increased dramatically between October 2009 and January 2010. During that time period, 216 households - more than 90% of voucher-holders - successfully found housing.
Congratulations to HAP Director Steve Rudman and HAP Rent Assistance Director Jill Riddle for their innovative and collaborative approach to tackling this problem, and thanks to Commissioner Kafoury and the task force for their good work.