Thousands of low-income families in Houston have waited years to receive rental assistance. In February 2024, the Houston Housing Authority announced it was out of money and could not issue any more housing choice vouchers. The new HHA leader has options for some people waiting for help.
This is the latest in our months-long KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority; Investigative reporter Amy Davis met with the new HHA president and CEO to find out when the agency will begin accepting applications again.
Jamie Bryant took over as president and CEO of the Housing Authority two months ago.
[Quick recap: The KPRC 2 Investigation into the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) and its misuse of tax dollars led to the resignation of its president and CEO, David Northern.]
Bryant says he is focused on getting HHA back on track, emphasizing its main mission: to provide housing and support for Houston families.
The housing choice voucher program is a significant part of that mission. This program provides funds to private landlords to cover most of a family’s monthly rent. Currently, about 19,000 families in Houston receive these vouchers, but thousands more are on a waitlist seeking assistance.
Why is there not enough money for housing vouchers?
Bryant explained that the problem lies in the fact that while landlords have increased rents over the past few years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has not kept pace, failing to increase the funding for the voucher program.
“So, when can people expect the Housing Authority to begin issuing vouchers again?” Davis asked.
“That’s a question we’re getting from a lot of people,” Bryant replied. “Unfortunately, it won’t be anytime soon. It’s likely not going to be until the end of the year, maybe early next year, unless we get new allocations from HUD.”
Other options for people looking for housing help
Bryant noted that the Houston Housing Authority does have some voucher money available for veterans through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. Veterans can contact the VA medical center for more information on how to apply.
He also mentioned that a few vouchers will be available for families in need at specific properties, with details to be released later this month. [We will let you know about this when we find out!]
However, those vouchers are just a drop in the bucket.
According to a recent Rice University Kinder Institute report, in 2018, more than 150,000 households were on HHA’s waitlist for about 19,000 vouchers. Today, that waitlist is closed, and families cannot even apply.
MORE HELP: The United Way of Greater Houston and Catholic Charities of Houston both also have programs to help people with housing needs.
RELATED: New Houston Housing Authority leader talks pay
Do you have a question for KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis? Email ADavis@kprc.com.
