Differences Among Section 8 Housing, Public Housing, and Project-based Housing

This blog attempts to explain the differences among three types of affordable housing: (a) Section 8 (tenant-based housing or Housing Choice Voucher), (b) public housing, and (c) project-based housing.

Section 8

• Families receive vouchers to help pay rent to any landlord who has been approved by the housing authority

• The property is owned by private individuals who then accepts section 8 vouchers at a lower rental rate

• Case managers are assigned to ensure the tenants and the landlords adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the housing authority. Case managers inspect the housing annually

• Subsidy is attached to people, so they can move to another property and not lose their voucher

Public Housing (AKA the projects)

• The government owns and operates public housing, and it sets the eligibility criteria

• Eligibility is determined by: (a) annual income, (b) U.S. citizenship or immigration status, (c) senior status, (d) individuals with disabilities, and (e) low-income families

Project-based (AKA affordable housing)

• Owned and operated by private individuals or companies that receive subsidies to provide affordable housing

• HUD grant funds to organizations or individuals to help them build affordable housing, which must remain affordable anywhere between 15 to 55 years

• There are no case managers involved

• Families apply directly to the property of interest

• When a unit becomes available, the family is given a voucher

• Subsidy is attached to the housing. So, if a person decides to move to another location, the voucher is lost

References

1. Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority (August 19, 2023).Choosing the best of affordable Housing[web log] Retrieved from https://portagehousing.org/choosing-the-best-type-of-affordable-housing.

2. Chibuzo,Ezeokeke (9/24/2024) Between Public Housing and Section 8 [web log] Retrieved from https://www.rent.com/blog/section-8-vs-public-housing.

3. Henson, Trevor (November 13, 2024). Understanding affordable and low income housing types ]web log] Retrieved from https://bfpminc.com/affordable-housing-vs-low-income-housing.