HUD is marking the 50th anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Initially known as Section 8, the program introduced tenant-based rental assistance, allowing participants to select housing in the private market while paying a portion of their income toward rent. Today, it remains HUD’s largest affordable housing initiative, assisting over 2.3 million low-income households annually.
The program revolutionized federal rental assistance by shifting from public housing projects to enabling private market participation. This approach not only expanded housing choices but also supported financial viability for multifamily rental developments through reliable rent subsidies. Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer the vouchers and collaborate with private landlords to ensure housing quality and affordability.
To celebrate this milestone, HUD and the Biden administration highlighted the program’s achievements and ongoing enhancements. Recent expansions include additional vouchers and increased rent limits to support families in various rental markets. HUD’s efforts ensure the program continues to address rising housing costs while improving access to safe, affordable housing nationwide.
