The Housing Choice Voucher Program: An Analysis of Its Demand and Supply (Challenges and Opportunities) and the Way Forward

Author

Sethina Atsupe Dowuona-Owoo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Public Administration

First Advisor

George Atisa

Second Advisor

Aziza Zemrani

Third Advisor

Paul Jorgensen

Abstract

In the United States, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, was created in 1974 to provide affordable housing for low-income families. However, recent research suggests that inaccessibility to homes for low-income groups remains high. This research aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining recent trends of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) in providing housing affordability for low-income families.

The study used a sample of 30 U.S. states covering fifteen years (2009-2023). It relied on data from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department and other secondary sources. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines housing affordability, including the demand and supply of vouchers and stakeholder perspectives. Key findings reveal that while voucher demand significantly exceeds supply, limited funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and discriminatory practices hinder effective utilization. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance the demand and supply of vouchers/housing units within the program.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Sethina Dowuona-Owoo. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3275327618

Recommended Citation

Dowuona-Owoo, S. A. (2025). The Housing Choice Voucher Program: An Analysis of Its Demand and Supply (Challenges and Opportunities) and the Way Forward [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1779