Etheridge, N.C. Delegation Fight for Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) and the Democratic members of North Carolina's Congressional delegation sent a letter this week to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Alphonso Jackson to oppose a looming cut to the Section 8 voucher program and warning of its dire consequences for North Carolina families.

Etheridge, along with U.S. Reps. Mel Watt (NC-12), David Price (NC-04), Brad Miller (NC-13), Mike McIntyre (NC-07), and Frank Ballance (NC-01) warned HUD of the negative impact of its just-announced changes to the Section 8 housing program, which helps millions of low income families pay their rent. HUD leaders want to change their funding formula for the program -- a move that could force housing authorities across the state to serve many fewer low-income families.

"North Carolina's families deserve safe, affordable housing," Etheridge said. "This program gives our families a hand up and allows them to grow and thrive. With so many North Carolinians on long waiting lists to participate in this program, we should be expanding section 8 vouchers, not cutting them."

The Representatives are calling on HUD to work with local and federal leaders to help as many families as possible. They are also urging the agency to consider tapping into unused money from fiscal year 2003 to help cushion the impact of that formula change on housing authorities. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson recently indicated that HUD might consider that option. A decision is expected in the next several days.