Section 8 proposes minimum family contribution for rent and utilities

$50 minimum suggested by proposed policy

SEATTLE--March 19, 2004--Responding to federal budget cuts and a growing need for housing assistance, the Seattle Housing Authority is proposing a $50 minimum family contribution for rent and utilities in the Section 8 Program. The program has no minimum family contribution now. Under the new policy, hardship exemptions would be available for people unable to pay the minimum contribution.

"Our goal is to serve as many low-income people as we can," said Kathy Roseth, director of the Section 8 Program. "Unfortunately, cuts to the Section 8 Program at the federal level will make it almost impossible for us to sustain the same level of assistance without making changes. Having a minimum contribution is a fair and reasonable way to keep the program strong and serve as many people as possible."

Federal regulations permit Section 8 programs to have a minimum contribution of up to $50. The housing authority had a minimum contribution in the past, but discontinued it in 2002.

The new policy will not reduce the number of vouchers available to low-income people in Seattle. On the contrary, it will help ensure that the same number of vouchers or more are available in the future.

Public hearing will be held

The housing authority will hold a public hearing to take comments about the change. The public hearing will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 in the Board Room of SHA's Central Office. The Central Office is located at 120 Sixth Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109. View driving directions or bus routes.  

SHA will consider the comments received at this meeting and may modify the policy as a result. The housing authority’s Board of Commissioners will meet for a final report on the policy and public concerns on April 13. A final decision is expected by April 19.

More information on the proposed minimum contribution is available by contacting SHA’s Ana Woo at 206-239-1523 or awoo@seattlehousing.org.