Resident Responses to Section 8 Relocation Outcomes: “If You're Gonna Move, You Want to Move Up”

Abstract

Economic hardship and the lack of social supports of households moving with Section 8 vouchers during mixed-income redevelopment is a concern to relocation counselors. Since residents are able to select their housing location they need to know the risks and benefits of various housing choices. Twenty-five residents facing the choice of remaining in a phased redevelopment, moving with a Section 8 voucher, or moving to another public housing development were interviewed in order to determine how to engage residents in evidence-informed decision making. Many residents want to move with Section 8 vouchers, but require supports to make the choice sustainable.

Keywords:

• Evidence-based practice
• public housing
• residential mobility

Notes

Prepared under Grant Number H-21608SG from the Department of Housing and Urban Development—Office of University Partnerships. Points of views or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.