The Columbian’s April 24 story “Trouble spots: A look at the top places Clark County sheriff’s deputies were most frequently called to in 2010” stated that at a local trailer park, “Rent for many tenants is paid by the government’s Section 8 subsidized housing program.” As executive director of the Vancouver Housing Authority, I would like to make some clarifications.
During 2010 there were two Section 8 voucher holders at the mobile home park in question. Since December 2010, there have been no subsidized residents at this park. Illegal drug activity and violent criminal behavior are violations of the Section 8 program rules for which VHA can and does terminate vouchers.
The story also suggested that voucher-holding tenants fear a long wait list if they complain about the quality of their housing. Each year VHA inspectors require that landlords make many repairs to bring units up to our standards. In addition, voucher-holders are free to move to any rental unit, without returning to the wait list.
The VHA is proud to administer the Section 8 program, providing housing assistance to more than 2,300 households in Clark County and adding over $13 million to our local economy each year through payments to landlords.
