Increase in HCV Eligibility

 Recent Increase in Housing Choice Voucher Eligibility 

A MYSA newsletter reports spike in Section 8 eligibility

   

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, San Antonio experienced an economic downturn that resulted in financial hardships in rent payments. San Antonio become one of the top cities in the United States that had a significant increase in residents to fall into the "low-income" eligibility as it is a requirement for the Housing Choice Voucher. That eligibility has increased by approximately 30% (Santana, 2024). 

    In San Antonio, there are 2 Housing Choice Voucher Programs: Opportunity Home (Formerly San Antonio Housing Authority) and Housing Authority of Bexar County. Housing Authority of Bexar County has closed application for vouchers, while Opportunity Home has an estimated wait time of 1-3 years. Notably, there was found to be racial disparities in housing among people of color. Typically, people in the United States should spend about 30% of their income on rent. It has been shown that people of color spend 34% of their income on rent, while White people spend 29% of their income on rent in the United States (Santana, 2024). 

Addressing the Issue

    It is important that we address the residents in San Antonio as they are facing a housing crisis. With the recent pandemic, many people faced significant financial challenges that has impacted their basic housing need. The HCV program has the ability to benefit families but there appears to be barriers preventing it to do so in a timely manner. To support vulnerable populations experiencing housing challenges we can advocate for the following:

1. Encouraging politicians to create new policies in support of addressing families being at risk of homelessness
2. Developing strategies to reduce wait times for the Housing Choice Voucher
3. Advocating for an increase in funding
4. Advocating for more housing resources as the demand is increasing 

Santana, S. (2024, April 30). San Antonio families still aren’t making enough for Rent. MySA. https://www.mysanantonio.com/realestate/article/san-antonio-section-8-increase-19428916.php