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The TRUTH About Section 8 - A Perspective From A Believer - (Part 1)

Housing voucher programs as Section 8 yields unrealistic expectations to the one who uses it continually. It has brainwashing effects that informs the user they deserve it and that it's impossible for them to survive without it.

It denotes dependency, stripping the user of their GOD-given right of waiting, and becoming diligent. Waiting is an essential step to maturity. Without it, many crucial lessons in life are missed, producing an irresponsible civilian, released into society to exploit. It's a burden on the community. Diligence, a virtue, takes a continual effort to achieve regardless of the circumstances one is surrounded by.

Walking in diligence bears through the tough times, trusting the faithfulness of our GOD in our "seasons of dearth". Discarding diligence means throwing away a promising future and becoming complacent... it means settling for less... a defeated attitude! GOD designed us to CONQUER and OVERCOME obstacles. We are made to REBOUND, but will never succeed if we are stunted in our growth by the interception of systems like Section 8.

Section 8 is a Voucher Program that obtains Federal assistance provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. It was originally made available to subsidize rent for low-income producing families and individuals. More information can be found here.

Usually, the recipient enrolls into this "Housing Choice Voucher Program" with the intent of securing relief in their quest to find affordable, secure housing. Unsuspectingly, they have been lured into accepting a "contagious infection" that stamps each victim with a demeaning label, classifying them as "poor low income earners" to forever forage from an unfulfilling vessel of meager proportions! Drinking from this cup is designed to seize any further residue of liberality left, rendering one impotent, inept, and in captivity! It's like a curse!

Some voucher holders "inherit" this pronouncement from relatives who have passed down this ill-fated generational tradition. Grantors of this "acquired title" willingly submit to placing themselves under this poverty umbrella, limiting them from ever attaining their predestined lot in life. It is sad because it has become addictive... pulverizing the soul, rendering them too helpless to cut the ties! It materializes to become a "Permanent Pacifier".... incessantly sucked upon, and just about impossible to wean away from!

We have observed an all too familiar pattern: A voucher user will take their "perceived privilege" to whoever is willing to accept it; critically rejecting every place offered that will not satisfy their highest projected standards. This creates "Prima Donnas" and the grantor of the voucher program becomes their "god". A habit of finding a home becomes an annual pursuit for the unsatisfied bearer of the voucher, because their mindset is not convinced they have been serviced their expected ultimate entitlement! Of some of the holders who do not venture out on this annual trek, the symptom most noticeable is the "chronic complaining syndrome". These demanders have become "Commanders with a whip" seeking immediate resolve to their every imagined whim! In their eyes it's no longer a program offered by the government... to the user, it is now known as, "MY" Section 8!

.....to be continued.....

DISCLAIMER: Diane Rice, and Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC, disclaims all liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect that may result from use of or reliance on, information contained in this blog or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to my blogs.

Posted by Diane Rice on 01/05/2009 12:42 AM

Comments (38)

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section 8, affordable housing, housing choice voucher program, renters, illinois property management, rice property management

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38 Comments on The TRUTH About Section 8 - A Perspective From A Believer - (Part 1)

JAN

2009

Diane - In our area, Section 8 vouchers can be used to qualify a person to buy a home. With some programs in our area, the voucher income is treated as qualifying income to purchase a home. People will make the program fufill whatever prophecy they are looking to bring to fruition. Fortunately for the program, so many people are re-evaluating their spending habits that the former well-off segment of society now wishes that they understood how they can take part in such programs.

@Mark, I'd like to chat with you about your comment.

Diane, My comment at this point is personal. As I look back on my life before becoming a believer, I can see many occasions where God clearly rescued me from things big and small. As a divorced single parent, making minimum wage, I could have easily fallen into this trap. Would I have, I don't know and I'm glad I never ended up in subsidized housing. God's grace!

How do we help others out of it? Looking forward to part two.

P.S. Good to see you back in the Rain again. Where have you been??

Mark - Thank you for your comment. In our area, the Section 8 program has it's "rent to purchase" division also, however we have not seen anyone take advantage of it and do not know of it's success. Has it worked with good results where you are? In Chicago, IL, income received from assistance is classified as a protective class, and cannot be used to disqualify a potential tenant, and we suppose this may become more widespread.

YOUR QUOTE: "Fortunately for the program, so many people are re-evaluating their spending habits that the former well-off segment of society now wishes that they understood how they can take part in such programs."

In comment to your above quote.... we have seen owners deliberately purchase homes for the sake of renting to clients with vouchers. We have managed for many of them. In the 3rd part of this "series" i will be addressing that subject with more detail. I have seen it from both sides and have plenty to share.

Hello Darlene! Thank you for your comment and the welcome! You know, this subject has been percolating inside of me for a very long time. I was not released to write of it until yesterday morning when the Lord placed it on my heart and gave me the words. It's a difficult and complex topic to address for MANY will be offended, however, my main objective is to #1 - Obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, #2 - Get the TRUTH out.

With that said, i do realize that GOD could actually direct someone to apply for and use the voucher program, for HIS OWN purposes. Because HE alone is Sovereign, i dare not speak but what HE has assigned to me, knowing i am NO expert! In parts 2 and 3, further sharing will be given, and SOLUTIONS on how to escape the trap. Like you, as a single parent, i too had to muddle through without assistance, witnessing GOD alone as the deliverer. Please pray with me on this! THANKS!

In my area Section 8 housing isn't common. We've handled only 1 over the years. It took us 2 months to get the property set up for it, and the program people gave the Owner a long list of things that had to be fixed to qualify- largely cosmetic "make it look prettier" things. It really wasn't worth it for the Owner. So from a rental Owner's position it ISN'T a good deal. I'm not a fan.

Leslie: I know EXACTLY about the procedure you had to face! It's so tedious just to qualify the unit, then the program has a standard amount they will pay the owner which most of the time does not even cover the piti! We have loads of stories.... watch out for it. Thanks for your comment.

Diane, I agree with you about what Section 8 tends to do to those who are receiving it. Here in Connecticut this dependency has been extended by some of the Housing Authorities by allowing the Vouchers to be applied toward mortgage payments. Sounds good on the surface, but it keeps people dependent on government aid and at the mercy of those who provide it.

Yikes! I think the Section 8 program is a wonderful thing. People do have the right to housing in my opinion and it is the government's - i.e. we the people collectively- role to make sure that those who would otherwise not have a home be housed.

In my city we had rent control until the mid-1990s. I never understood the justification for rent control especially when it was not means tested. I do not think it is the individual property owner's responsibility to subsidize housing for people of little means. But, again, I do think it is government's role.

I would never generalize about someone's attitudes, circumstances, etc. Many or us are given unearned privileges simply because of the family we were fortunate enough to be born into. Or perhaps we have more than our share of inner fortitude and are able to rise above less fortunate beginnings. I myself would try my best to withhold judgement about those who aren't as lucky.

I am horrified that we have reached a point in our sociey where we accept homelessness as a given rather than see it as something that is completely unacceptable in a country where so many have so much and others have so little.

Oh my friend...how good it is to see you again!! I've missed you and thought about you so many times. You will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart.

Now...to the issue. I've not had a lot of experience with Section 8 until recently. What I experienced was horrible. I will not go into details, but one Sec 8 tenant who looked at one of my listings was openly proclaiming that she deliberately kept her income low so that she would not lose her Section 8 voucher.

What was even more troubling was that her father accompanied her to the showing, and he openly proclaimed that he knew how to work the system. He had obviously passed that knowledge to his daughter. It was sad!

I believe in helping those who need help, but my stomach is turned by the greed and sense of entitlement that I see more often than not.

Again...it is SO VERY GOOD to have you back home. ~GBU~

GEORGE!! Happy New Year - so good to see that you are still around in the Rain! How's your family? Business?

George, this perspective was written for the believer, however the principle could apply to anyone. I have experienced over 13 years of managing property and dealing with those accepting and using the vouchers, and am extremely concerned about the damages done as a result. It affects EVERYONE in a community - either directly or indirectly.... I will be spilling the beans... the WHOLE truth and nothing but... please stay tuned.

Elizabeth Bolton: You have a very well written comment, and i appreciate you for speaking from where you stand. I am in total agreement that everyone should be housed.... just disagreeing with the methods used. It sounds like the "rent control" that your city utilized worked, aiding in curtailing what we are witnessing here and in many other towns. Your town is an exception to the rule!

What i am speaking of is the EXCESSIVE ABUSE of a system in place that has created cripples! It's AWFUL here, and it needs to be addressed! Hopefully you will read the continuation blogs to get a broader understanding. (Part 2 is already written and will be posted by this weekend). Thanks again for jumping in!

ELIZABETH NIEVES!! - It's a WONDERFUL thing to be missed... and even GREATER to be lovingly thought of! Thank you for all of your well wishes, prayers, and good will toward me. I too thought on YOU and many others here.... AR has CERTAINLY changed!!!!! (It took me a while just to update so i wouldn't look so antiquated!!) I hope all is well.... but, i know i do not have to ask.... JUST READ YOUR BLOGS..... right??? (smile)

OK, now, think about this..... your ONE experience with the Section 8'er was a glimpse of the attitudes of about 85% of those we encounter.... We have a S E R I O U S problem on our hands... and we cannot IGNORE it! It has to be called out, addressed, and then dealt with.

I do sense it is time to be EXPOSED for what it is.... and i'm just a vessel chosen at this time... VERY LED to do it.... sooooooooooooo I SOLICIT YOUR PRAYERS FOR THIS MISSION!!

SO GOOD TO SEE YA!!! GBY TOO!!

JAN

2009

Neal Boortz had LONG discussion today on Suction 8 on his radio show.....the callers DEFENDING the program were humorous to say the least....Today's Section 8 program is not the same one landlords flocked to 20 years ago - I had 30 units under Napa County (CA) system then. The inspector was actually a reformed builder/Realtor who actually knew building codes and did not FAIL properties becausing of a crack in a switch plate.

This system is BROKEN as is HUD and hopefully Obama will put the necessary team in place to fix the system, repair the PHA owned buildings, attract private landlords to the program and screen clients better.

Wallace: I whole-heartily APPRECIATE your comment. I too look forward to the new administration's help to CHANGE or get rid of this failed system, however i realize there is a part for us in this industry to do as well.

I saw that you wrote "Suction 8" - which is an accurate depiction of what it does (was that done intentionally?) I would not mind hearing what went on on that show... and can IMAGINE what was said!!!! Thank you so much for your response!

JAN

2009

One of my recent tenant clients had a section 8 voucher. She was on the list for five years before she got the voucher. She was very open minded about the property conditions and mainly focused on being close to her son's school. She had a very sunny disposition and seemed quite grateful to have the voucher and to have a realtor working for her. She was a cashier at Sam's club and had a child with a disability. I think subsidies can create a feeling of entitlement but I do not think it is always the case. I too am looking forward to part 2. It is an important discussion, especially since so many feel strongly about it, and because there are definitely aspects that need improvement. Thanks for bringing up the discussion.

JAN

2009

Maggie: Hi! & thank you for joining the discussion! There are always exceptions to the rule in just about everything. My purpose in this is to highlight and expose the overt abuse which has left communities ravaged. Most start off just like your client who waited just to get it, but did survive all those years prior to receiving it. I'd like to hear about your follow-up with her.

Many in the industry are speaking about Section 8 in hush hush tones.... not daring to blare out the dangers for fear of various amount of reasons. SOMEONE needs to speak-out.... that'll be ME! Part 2 coming soon. I really appreciate your interest in this!

Suction 8 is what Neal calls it and I'm sure you can find his comments on his website for his program notes. Many landlords have called it that for MANY YEARS....the system/program has been broken for MANY, MANY years so fixing it overnight won't happen.

There are frequent discussions on the MrLandlord website about the pitfalls of this program * not the least of which is inviting the government into our business model EVEN FURTHER

Wallace - I had not heard about Neal. Is he a member of AR? What is his website address?

JAN

2009

Neal Boortz is the Atlanta radio talk show host who has 3 hour AM talk show weekdays * he is on Fox News/Cavuto all the time * he is a CONSERVATIVE although he calls himself a libertarian.

Reformed attorney in his past life. He and his wife, Donna, have several rental properties and he frequently discusses his experiences with Suction 8. He is the author of several books on the Fair Tax and is a frequent contributor to financial and political radio/TV shows. Google Neal Boortz for more

My point - short and sweet * is that after dealing with Suction8 certificates and vouchers since the 70s - the system is now a welfare reward for bad behavior....yes, there are some who need temporarily assistance; however, there are NON GOVERNMENT charaties who also help that are MUCH BETTER, in more CONSTRUCTIVE ways so that recepients are not DEPENDENT upon the system.

Obama's illegal aunt lived in a federal housing project until she was caught and advised to leave the country so she got assistance from a STATE housing agency...this is the type of fraud that is rampant in the system.

Wallace: Thanks for the info on Neal. My primary purpose is to openly tell the truths about this system (for believers and others who can recognize it's addicting factors and desire to get off) In the last of my writings, there will be solutions offered.

I feel it's sort of like a mission - not to condemn folks, but the SYSTEM itself! (ALL of us are guilty at some point of clinging onto a habit too long)... This sinister Section 8 addiction affects us all. I believe i must personally and through this licensed profession, tackle it enough to get results. I do hope you'd tune in to read about the success stories we've gotten.

JAN

2009

Diane,

If the government is willing to subsidize these renters to the benefit of landlords, I would like to see many section 8 renters subsidized to become buyers!!! JMHO, Thanks, Fran

Fran: You know, there are programs initiated by the Section 8 overseers that are set-up to assist renters to becoming homeowners, but i know of NO ONE who has taken advantage of it. With home-ownership comes responsibility. Changing the mentality of someone accustomed to assistance cannot be easy. Appreciate your input. Part 2 coming soon!

JAN

2009

Suction8 does help with first time homeowner assistance...has been for several years. Frankly, letting buyers become homeowners who have never owned or cared for a home or real estate is problematic in general and costly to the community.

Some of the first built homes by Habitat are now being bulldozed as they are falling apart for lack of care and maintenance by "low income/sweat equity" owners who moved into them when they were SHINY and NEW.

I worked in real estate in Hawaii 30 years ago when the Hawaii Housing Authority built ownership homes in Ewa Beach * NOW, I see them on DOG THE BOUNTER HUNTER and they are full of drug dealers and ICE manufacturers.....The original FIRST TIME owners had to take classes to learn how to care for their homes * obviously, that system broke down too.

Taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize poor behavior * having too many children without fathers; not staying in school; not getting a job and being a productive menter of society.

Wallace: I do HEAR you loudly and clearly. The "GOVERNMENT" cannot fix this... the answer has to come from a "HIGHER" source... "THE ANSWER" which has been clearly laid out from the beginning of time... remember, this blog is from a believer's perspective.

oops... i'm giving away too much... WAIT and read the rest of the parts, OK??

Sorry.....too mumbo jumbo for me....

JAN

2009

Hi Diane! As a landlord, we've had several section 8 tenants over the years and have seen both sides of the program, the good and bad. Our local program has addressed any issues we've ever had so I have hope for the system here.

We've had more tenants who felt they were 'owed' something and they know how to work the system. They're the ones who have their oil tank filled three times for free each winter and keep their houses at 80 degrees- no personal responsibility because someone else is paying for it. The ones who hit up every charity for a hand out but would never attend a service.

We've had others who were responsible 'working poor', who try but struggle and are grateful. Those who have a heavenly attitude, it sure makes a difference!

I fear with close to 40% of this country depending on the government, more money is going to be thrown to those who think they are entitled to something they haven't worked for, haven't contributed to. I'm all for giving people a second chance, lending a hand, contributing, but without personal responsibility.......I'm not that hopeful.

Debbie: your comment added a BOOST to this blog post and i am grateful for your contribution. It further affirms that no matter where in the world people are located, one can observe the SAME spirits in operation.... the good and the bad.

I was relieved to hear about the struggling grateful ones. You and i are in agreement. Thank you so much... part 2 will be posted soon.

MAR

Diane, Boy, this is GREAT! I think Section 8 is doing a huge disservice to everyone concerned, owners, property managers and tenants. Now in Hawaii we are going to make Section 8 reciepients a "Progected Class". My Goodness!

Jerry: The "system" of section 8 does not work... it cripples people and throws them into society to merge with people who have had to strive all their lives to try to "make it" These 2 breeds do not share the same understanding.

DOREEN!! I just realized i called you "DARLENE" in responding to your comment - ooops! I could not go back and fix it because there was no edit button there... please forgive! Thanks

MAY

Hello Diane Rice,I want to thank you for having this session on (section 8)!!!!Because I was reading a lot of the comments on those of us that are on this program...But one in particular caught my eye and when I read her comment it brought tears to my eyes that at least someone have a heart and care and see it as help for the least unfortunate ones(Elizabeth Bolton Thank you God Bless Your Heart)......I (was) a victim of Hurricane Katrina me& my 3 kids I never exspected to be on section 8 but I am I lost everything(home,clothes,job of 16yrs etc...) I worked so hard as a single parent to get my life in order by the Grace of God!!!!!!Prayers!!!!!I say that to say this you never know what a person go through no one should judge what God himself help out on this earth to help his children with!!!!!!!!! Thank you&God Bless you

Mrs.Diane Bolton,I reside in Ms. I am on the section 8 voucher I want to move back home close to my family in Indiana preferrally Merriville but I need assistance on how to go about it my Mom is trying to work something out on her end but i need to be gone before July....Can you please help me..???I live in a3br 2bth home and my voucher is for 525.00 I need assistance please help...Thank you #cell6623024348 if you would like to calll me

Teri Jordan: I appreciate you coming forth with your perspective which i understand totally, for i too was a homeless poor single parent and will not judge the poor, just the system. I am sorry you misread the whole picture i was referring to which was explained in my comment to Ms. Bolton, and in the first sentence of the article, which read..... "Housing voucher programs as Section 8 yields unrealistic expectations to the one who uses it CONTINUALLY.

We are not just speaking about the TRUTH concerning using these vouchers, our fight goes beyond, and works toward solutions for anyone with low income to secure ownership without dependency. It would be heartless of us to sit back, see what is happening, and go along without attempting to assist. This will affect generations to come if we do not urgently sound the alarm today!

Thanks for your comment.

JUL

I'm deeply offended by your comments, only because sadly I have become a user of section 8. I feel embarrased because I have to use it, but I know that without it I would be trapped in my parent's unfinished basement with 3 children for longer than I care to think about. I had been on the waiting list for several years because when I signed on I was young with a small child and was looking ahead. By the time I was 23 I owned my own house without the help of section 8 and and a few years later I owned a second property that I wanted to rent out. However, the next few turn of events for me was tragic. I lost my job due to a lay off and in turn lost both of my houses. I moved in with my parents cause I had nowhere else to go and finally got a job that could at least put some food in my refridgerator. No, I'm still not where I was before I lost my job but Im getting there. When I got the letter that said I was getting my voucher, I jumped for joy. As I said, its a little off putting for me because I know the stigma that comes with having section 8 and any other government assistance, but without it I couldn't tell you where I'd be. You are correct in saying that some people abuse the system. You're probably even right if you said it's the majority of the people on public assistance, but for those of us who had independenc then lost it due to circumstances beyond our control, government assistance is a life saver. Believe you me, I do not want to stay on it for the rest of my life and I urge and almost plead with my children to look at our lifestyle and strive for something waaaaaayyy better but to say that it has no value at all is utterly untrue. But hey this is a free country and you are entitled to your opinion.

Rasheda: I understand EXACTLY how you feel. I too had to succumb to government assistance at one time in my life, and like you, i too was embarrassed and felt powerless. I once was homeless. I watched as my car was repossessed, and home foreclosed, as my job folded. It was humiliating to go live with my brother and his wife with my children after being self supporting for so long. I've had several falls in my life and needed help from elsewhere.

My article is referring to BELIEVERS who CONTINUE to use the voucher system as a way of life.

JAN

Hello I would like to say that i am currently on section 8 but im believing God to come off cause it does place fear, doub and unbelief and dependency which i only want to depend on my heaVENLY FATHER SO I HAVE BEEN STUDYING MATT 6 AND MEDITATING SO THAT I CAN BUILD MY FAITH TO STEP OUT AND TRUST THE LORD NOW 2003 IS WHEN I GOT IT AND I BELIVE GOD MET ME WERE MY FAITH WAS AT THAT TIME I HAD JUST GOT MARRIED AND I HAD THREE CHILDREN AND GOT CUSTODY OF TWO NEWBORNS AND THEN MY HUSBAND DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT SO I WAS ONLY MARRIED FOR 10 MONTHS AND MY MOM AT 48 YEARS OLD DIED 3 DAYS LATER WITH CANCER AND I ALSO HOMESCHOOL AND HAVE BEEN FOR 6 YEARS SO I BELIEVE SECTION 8 WERE FOR A SEASON AND KNOW ITS TIME FOR WHAT GOD HAS KNOW SO THANK YOU FOR THIS AND AS YOU PRAY ASK THE LORD FOR HIS WILL TO BE DONE IN MY LIFE AND THAT I HEAR HIM CLEAR AND I OBEY HIM AND TANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR OBEDIENCE AND IF EVERY BODY ELSE GETS OFFENDED JUST KNOW THAT ONE PERSON RECIEVED (ME) AND IM GRATEFUL SO BE ENCOURAGED AND FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.

JAN

Hello Tamara. Your response is refreshing to hear. When God first urged me to write this, i knew it would stir up accusers and those who would oppose, but i could not resist His command. The scripture says... it is the TRUTH that when known, will MAKE one free. This among other dependencies is what God desires His people to be liberated from, however, if this TRUTH is not HEARD... HOW can one know?

I appreciate hearing about your obedience to where God is leading you.... it's the ONLY way to go! In the midst of our seasons of hardships and suffering is the season of MAKING.... which EVERY son and daughter RECEIVED into the Kingdom is purged and chastened in .... It's our "reasonable service!" How pleased God must be to see another vessel STANDING by faith, enduring hardness, and Maintaining their joy in the midst of it all! Be encouraged, and thanks for writing!

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Diane Rice

South Holland, IL

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