On Feb. 16th, The Des Moines Register published the article "Some Cities Ban Landlords From Rejecting Section 8 Vouchers. Iowa Republicans Want To Change That." In the article, Reporter Ian Richardson spoke with Anawim Housing tenant, Chantel, who has lived with Anawim for over 10 years.
For many of those years, Chantel utilized a Section 8 housing voucher to afford her three bedroom apartment for her and her kids. "I was able to pay what I could afford instead of the regular $600 to $700 per month," Chantel said, "I feel like that's the whole point of Section 8. ... It's there to help you when you need it." She has since phased out of the program after attaining a higher-paying job and has chosen to move on to home ownership for her and her family.
The Des Moines Register reports that Iowans use vouchers to help pay for nearly 20,000 housing units statewide, according to 2020 HUD data. Their average household income is $12,577 a year. Without Section 8 – many residents who are unable to pay their rent or find affordable housing face very difficult situations that many take for granted – eviction, homelessness, food insecurity.
Housing is a human right and Anawim Housing supports housing for all. Section 8 housing vouchers increase housing opportunities for people in our community and help elderly, disabled, and low-income renters find housing and give them more housing choices close to their work or school.
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