“Addressing Chicago’s Affordable Housing: Analyzing the Housing Choice Program (Section 8)”

Author: Alyssa Matlock

Department: UIC Institute for Policy & Civic Engagement

Advisor: Dr. Joseph K. Hoereth, IPCE / Marcus Daniels, Graduate Assistant, UIC-IPCE

Abstract: Chicago is experiencing a worsening affordable housing crisis in comparison to about 10-15 years ago, exacerbated by shortcomings in the Section 8 Housing Voucher program. As a result, many residents struggle to find stable and affordable housing. This study evaluates the Section 8 Housing Voucher program's effectiveness in addressing the city's housing challenges and its broader impact on Chicago's development and residents. This research utilizes a literature review of scholarly articles, academic journals, and U.S. Census Bureau data to conduct a policy analysis of Section 8 in Chicago between the years of 2010-2023. The study focuses on areas with the highest and lowest distribution of housing vouchers and their impact on the racial minority population and notes broader demographic shifts for residents living with or without vouchers. Findings indicate a significant overlap between areas with a high concentration of Section 8 vouchers and majority-minority communities, particularly Black neighborhoods. Furthermore, the program has been largely ineffective due to a severe shortage of affordable housing and long waitlists, with over 75,000 people waiting for assistance. Many low-income households are forced to spend a disproportionate share of their income on rent, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. The implications of this housing shortage are severe, contributing to homelessness, economic and educational disparities, and worsening health outcomes, further exacerbating racial and ethnic inequalities. The study's recommendations include increasing funding for Section 8, the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, and creating a Chicago Rental Payment Program modeled after the Illinois Rental Payment Program to create sustainable funding to expand rental assistance, increase voucher availability, and reduce displacement, assisting in fostering a more equitable housing environment in Chicago.

Keywords: affordable housing, section 8 housing vouchers, rental assistance, racial disparities, funding, Chicago low-income housing trust fund, Illinois rental payment program

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