What is the Housing Choice Voucher program and how does Section 8 work?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal housing assistance program that is administered by local housing authorities and overseen by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It provides assistance to very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Eligibility is based on income relative to the area median income, and the vouchers can even help households buy homes. HUD will release $113 million to help over 9,500 additional households, and applicants must apply through local PHAs and HFAs. The rent is calculated to be 30 percent of the household’