Section 8 vouchers lead to suburban migration, new challenges

In an effort to break up large-scale public housing projects riddled by crime, Section 8 vouchers have created the opportunity for low-income families to move into suburbs, according to a report by Gregory Korte of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The opportunity for a more stable community is not without its challenges, and many Section 8 tenants feel they were unprepared for the responsibilities suburban life. "That’s the fundamental flaw in Section 8, says Don Driehaus, housing authority chairman. Instead of a government-run social program, it’s now a loosely regulated service provided by more than 3,600 different landlords – some good, some bad and some criminal." Critics of the program, including Driehaus, would like to see an end to the vouchers and a return to "more traditional public housing."