More than 40,000 families remain on the waiting list of D.C. Housing Authority for Housing Choice Vouchers, even though the list was closed in 2013. The district has seen a continuous demand for safe and affordable housing as thousands of households struggle to pay their monthly rent.
Under the D.C. Flex program, for up to four years, a family can receive $7,200 a year assistance. However, to qualify for it, families are required to be employed and make 30 percent of the D.C. median income. A valid lease in a registered apartment within the district is also needed.
In addition, applicants should have previously applied for or received emergency housing or homelessness assistance.
Under the Flex program, up to $500 of leftover funds can be withdrawn by a family and used towards household expenses. The remaining sum can be withdrawn at the end of the program. A lottery system is used to select households.
From @jrleopold81 & M. Cohen: The District of Columbia Housing Authority waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers contains more than 40,000 families, even though the list closed in 2013. https://t.co/8XFr9qaZd0
— Urban–Greater DC (@UrbanGreaterDC) September 27, 2018
At present, long-term subsidies or short-term emergency rental assistance is available in housing programs. In such expensive areas like D.C., many families require long-term vouchers which can cover housing costs.