Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does affordable housing mean?

The nationally accepted standard is that housing should cost no more than 30% of a household’s income.  Thus, any individual or family paying more than this is defined as having housing problems.  Since it can be very difficult for low-income and even moderate-income households to find affordable housing on the open market, federal and state programs that subsidize or mandate the provision of affordable housing become essential.  

Q: What programs does the federal government use to help homeowners and renters?

One of the most important programs is the housing voucher program.  Using vouchers, low-income families pay part or none of their rent with the voucher covering the remainder.  The federal government currently has authorized about 2.1 million vouchers, yet these still only manage to reach about ¼ of the eligible households.  Other significant programs include the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Operating Subsidy, which subsidizes local housing agencies in the provision of affordable public housing; HOPE VI program, which helps to renew poverty-stricken communities; and the Public Housing Capital Fund, which subsidizes improvements and repairs to public housing.  To see the HUD’s online listing of affordable housing programs and opportunities, click here

Q: How will Bush’s proposed FY2004 impact affordable housing?

Bush’s budget threatens to seriously undermine the effectiveness of federal housing programs.  For instance, the housing voucher program would be turned into a block grant to states.  The total funding would be reduced meaning a large number of vouchers would be eliminated.  Furthermore, rules that provide more extensive funding for families able to pay little or no rent would be eliminated and rules directing 75% of vouchers to families with incomes below 30% of the area median would be weakened or eliminated.

Q: What is inclusionary zoning?

Inclusionary zoning ordinances mandate that a certain percentage of housing development within a locality be affordable to low-income families. The Montgomery County, Maryland inclusionary zoning is often held up as the model program although there are many others around the country.  To read about the Montgomery County program, click here

Q: Why is inclusionary zoning important?

By mandating that a certain percentage of housing development be of low-cost, inclusionary zoning allows working families to spend less of their income on housing and greater flexiblity in choosing neighborhoods to live in. As a result, working families can live closer to places of work, which means less commute time, less traffic congestion, less air pollution and less urban sprawl.

Q:  Who I should I contact with questions?

Some of the best information on the housing crisis and potential solutions come in large part from  the Center for Policy Alternatives,  The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,  the National Low Income Housing Institute,  The Innovative Housing Institute, and  The Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy.  The Service Center would like to thank these groups for mapping out the high road on easing the housing crisis.

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