Thousands line up for housing assistance in Modesto
MODESTO, CA - An estimated 8,000 people lined up around John Thurman Field in Modesto Tuesday, to pick up applications for the federal government's Housing Choice Vouchers Program, formerly known as Section 8.
"I think it's indicative of what's happening in our economy," said Bill Fagan, executive director of The Housing Authority of Stanislaus County.
Fagan said this is the first time the Housing Authority (HA) has opened up the waiting list since April 2007.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting low-income families, the elderly and disabled to rent housing in the open market. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program. A rental subsidy is paid directly by HA to the landlord. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Christopher Vilacana is hoping to get assistance while trying to find a full time job.
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