Content: Expansion from Paper 1 & 2 (based on the feedback from the instructor) The following criteria will be used by the instructor in evaluating Paper 3. Each criterion will be scored as follows: 3 = Good, 2 = Fair, 1 = Poor, 0 = Missing. As there are 18 criteria for Paper 3, the range of possible scores is 0 to 54 (18 criteria x 3 points each). 1. The formal name of the social policy being discussed, and a discussion of the goals of the policy, including a description of the policies target population. /3 2. The agency (agencies) charged with its implementation, the types of benefits provided (i.e., cash grants, vouchers, concrete goods, services, etc.). /3 3. A discussion of how the policy, and the programs created or maintained by the policy, are funded, including, when appropriate, the type of funding (e.g., block grants, reimbursements, etc.), and the source(s) of funding (federal, state, mix of federal and state). /3 4. The magnitude and dimensions of the social problem/issue that the social policy was designed to address. This should include relevant demographic data to establish how prevalent the issue or problem and its effect on individuals, families, communities, and society. /3 5. The development and evolution of the policy, including identification of previous policies that the current policy modified or replaced, social and political conditions under which the current policy was formed, and factors that have affected implementation of the policy, including any modifications. /3 6. A review of the literature on the effectiveness of the policy. The review should include an overview of recent empirical studies that have sought to measure the outcomes of the policy or the problem the policy is designed to address. /3 7. The review includes an introduction to the nature and scope of the body of research related to the policy. /3 8. The student’s analysis of the effectiveness of the policy based on their review of the research literature. This should include an assessment of the limitations of existing research. /3 9. The student’s assessment of areas for further needed research. /3 10. An assessment of the policy issue using the Human Condition framework covered in the Week 8 coursework. /3 11. A discussion of the ethical and social and economic justice considerations. The ethical principles and standards from the NASW Code of Ethics should be utilized and referenced in this discussion. /3 12. The student’s analysis of needed changes to the policy or to the implementation of the policy. /3 Quality of Writing 13. Title page, running head, and basic formatting of the paper in APA Style 6th edition (see sections 2.01, 2.05, 3.03, 8.03, & 8.07 in the APA Publication Manual). An abstract is required for Paper 3. /3 14. Headings are utilized to organize the paper (see sections 3.02 & 3.03). /3 15. In-text citations are formatted in APA Style (see Chapter 6) /3 16. Direct quotes are not overused. When they are utilized, they are cited .

1. Content: Expansion from Paper 1 & 2 (based on the feedback
from the instructor)
The following criteria will be used by the instructor in
evaluating Paper 3. Each criterion will be scored as follows: 3 =
Good, 2 = Fair, 1 = Poor, 0 = Missing. As there are 18 criteria
for Paper 3, the range of possible scores is 0 to 54 (18 criteria x
3 points each).
1. The formal name of the social policy being discussed, and a
discussion of the goals of the policy, including a description of
the policies target population.
/3
2. The agency (agencies) charged with its implementation, the
types of benefits provided (i.e., cash grants, vouchers, concrete
goods, services, etc.).
/3
3. A discussion of how the policy, and the programs created or
maintained by the policy, are funded, including, when
appropriate, the type of funding (e.g., block grants,
reimbursements, etc.), and the source(s) of funding (federal,
state, mix of federal and state).
/3
4. The magnitude and dimensions of the social problem/issue
that the social policy was designed to address. This should
include relevant demographic data to establish how prevalent
the issue or problem and its effect on individuals, families,
communities, and society.
/3
5. The development and evolution of the policy, including
identification of previous policies that the current policy
modified or replaced, social and political conditions under
which the current policy was formed, and factors that have
affected implementation of the policy, including any
modifications.
/3

2. 6. A review of the literature on the effectiveness of the policy.
The review should include an overview of recent empirical
studies that have sought to measure the outcomes of the policy
or the problem the policy is designed to address.
/3
7. The review includes an introduction to the nature and scope
of the body of research related to the policy.
/3
8. The student’s analysis of the effectiveness of the policy
based on their review of the research literature. This should
include an assessment of the limitations of existing research.
/3
9. The student’s assessment of areas for further needed
research.
/3
10. An assessment of the policy issue using the Human
Condition framework covered in the Week 8 coursework.
/3
11. A discussion of the ethical and social and economic justice
considerations. The ethical principles and standards from the
NASW Code of Ethics should be utilized and referenced in this
discussion.
/3
12. The student’s analysis of needed changes to the policy or to
the implementation of the policy.
/3
Quality of Writing
13. Title page, running head, and basic formatting of the paper
in APA Style 6th edition (see sections 2.01, 2.05, 3.03, 8.03, &
8.07 in the APA Publication Manual). An abstract is required
for Paper 3.
/3
14. Headings are utilized to organize the paper (see sections
3.02 & 3.03).
/3

3. 15. In-text citations are formatted in APA Style (see Chapter 6)
/3
16. Direct quotes are not overused. When they are utilized, they
are cited in APA Style (see sections 6.03 – 6.09). If no direct
quotes are utilized, then the student automatically receives 3
points for this criterion.
/3
17. The list of references is formatted in APA Style. (See 2.11,
6.22-6.26,6.27-6.31, and all of Chapter 7).
/3
18. Paper is well written: including organization (see 3.01-
3.04), style (3.05-3.11), unbiased language (pages 70-73 &
3.12-3.17), grammar (3.18-3.23), & mechanics (Chapter 4).
Paper is between 10 to 12 pages in length (not counting title
page and references).
/3
Total: /54
Running head: HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM 1
2
HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM
Housing Choice Voucher Program

4. The Problem of Housing in
America
In economics, depression is a continuous, long-term decline in
economic activity. In 1929, the Great Depression affected many
households financially and emotionally, and put a strain on
individuals’ health conditions. As the Depression continually
spiraled downhill, millions of families lost their jobs and
exhausted their funds, which resulted in losing their homes.
Citizens lived where they could and many homeless people built
houses made out of cardboard, tar paper, glass, lumber, tin and
whatever other materials people could salvage. “Results of this
included the development of informal settlements that were
known as Hoovervilles” (Newman, 2007, p.87).
The Hoovervilles were poorly built structures that served as
houses for people who had lost their homes. “Although they
were houses for the homeless, the Hoovervilles lacked basic
amenities such as running water” (Newman, 2007, p.88). The
tough economic times that came with the Great Depression
prompted the federal government to develop federal housing
assistance programs that focused on the construction of low-
income housing projects for people affected by the Great
Depression. This program received a lot of criticism because it
segregated low-income individuals by placing them into these
distinct housing projects. “This led to the further seclusion of
people who had been mostly affected by the Great Depression,”
(Newman, 2007, p.88).
Introduction of Housing Policies
Federal housing programs had their development during and
after the time of the Great Depression. “In the 1960s and 70s
federal subsidy programs were created by the federal
government” (McCarty, 2007, p.81). The aim of these grant
programs was to increase production of low-income housing.
However, in the year” 1970, the Housing and Urban
Development Act initiated the Experimental Housing Allowance
Program as well as the Community Development Corporation”

5. (McCarty, 2007, p.83). These programs had the aim of
expanding subsidy programs as well as rent supplements for
moderate income housing. In the year 1970, the government
uncovered the biggest problem affecting people with a low
income was not substandard housing but rather the high cost of
housing. “This meant that poor people spent larger portions of
their income on housing “(McCarty, 2007, p.90). 1974,
Congress, the Housing and Community Development Act.
“Congress also amended the Housing Act of 1937 and created
the Section 8 Program” (McCarty, 2007, p.94). Section 8
program is also known as the Housing Voucher Program (HCV).
This program has the provision that ensures that beneficiaries
only pay 30% of their income for rent with the rest of the
expense being covered by federal money.
Recipients of the Policy
The primary recipients of the Section 8 program are low-income
families (Graves,2015). “The program considers a low income
for a family of one as $15,000 and below per year.” For a
family of eight and more the program recognizes an annual
income of $30,000 as being low” (Graves, 2015, p.348). Due to
their low income, these families may find it tough to pay the
rent that requires maintaining their houses. The program,
therefore, steps in and helps them with this payment. The
program calculates the income of the family by considering
some factors such as basic salary, overtime pay, tips,
commission, child support, welfare, disability, and even lottery
winnings. However, financial status is not the only criterion
that needs be met to qualify for this program (Graves, 2015).
There are also other population demographics that cover the
scope of this program. Examples include, “Seniors as well as
persons living with disabilities in the United States” (McCarty,
2007, p.352). Thus, the aim of the program is to help needy
families, people living with disabilities, and the elderly in
finding decent and sanitary housing in the private market. The
participants of the program are allowed to find their homes as
long as these homes are in line with the requirements outlined

6. by the program. However, it is also important to note that once
the beneficiaries select the housing unit of their choice the
owner of the property has to agree to payment of the rent.
Benefits for Immigrants
Another important issue in the administration of the policy is
legibility for the vouchers. It is important to note that this is a
program which is not exclusive reserve of American citizens.
“However, there are some extenuating circumstances in which
noncitizens might qualify for benefits under the program”
(Kathleen-Moore, 2016, p.475). In such an instance the
immigration status of the applicant has to be in line with all the
legal provisions in the United States. However, cases of
immigrants being beneficiaries of the program are very limited.
For example, “The citizenship status of an applicant is a huge
prerequisite to getting the benefits from the program”
(Kathleen-Moore, 2016, p.477). Immigrants are welcome to take
advantage of this program, but the government does not
broadcast it for common knowledge. The associated hurdles
with this program have made the number of immigrants seeking
to benefit from it microscopic (Kathleen-Moore, 2016). Instead,
citizens are the ones who mostly apply for benefits under the
Section 8 program since their path to the benefits is
streamlined. (Graves, 2015).
Funding of the Program
The federal government mainly funds the HCV. “Funds are sent
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development”
(McCarty, 2007, p.112). From this Department, these funds find
their way to the concerned Public Housing Agencies. It is these
agencies that then funnel this money to the citizens in the form
of vouchers. The number of vouchers given to each organization
in a given year is usually a derivative of the number of vouchers
used by the office in question in the previous year (McCarty,
2007).
The Agency that Administers the Program
According to Newman, ( 2007, p.91), “The agencies tasked with
the administration of the HCV are the Public Housing Agencies

7. commonly abbreviated as PHAs”. These are agencies which are
available at the state level, tasked with the administration of the
program. The beneficiaries of this program usually receive a
voucher. “Once an individual receives a voucher, they have a
total of 60 days to find suitable housing” (Newman, 2007,
p.99). However, interested parties may use this voucher for
their current housing unit or find a new housing unit provided
that the group in question is in line with the provisions of the
program. The voucher usually caters for up to 70% of the rent
and utilities needed by the beneficiaries. The remaining 30%
has to be covered by the recipients. “Often the beneficiaries are
expected to pay for rent and utilities which cost at the very least
$50” (Newman, 2007, p.101). The voucher covers the rest of the
payments. However, there is a limit to the degree of coverage
that beneficiaries can receive under the voucher program. This
limit is called the payment standard and outlines the maximum
amount of coverage that each beneficiary is likely to receive
under the voucher program. The housing agency usually sets
this specification after taking into account some factors such as
the prevailing economic conditions and the general renting rates
in different parts of the country (Desmond, Perkins, 2016,
p.138).
Social Relevance of the Program
To understand the gravity of the program and its social,
significance it is important to gain a perspective on the issue of
homelessness in the United States. “Current statistics are that
on any given night there are about 564,000 people experiencing
homelessness in the United States” (Gillard, 2012, p.27). “Out
of this demographic, about 6.4% happen to be children. Out of
the same demographic, about 8.3% are veterans who have
served the United States in the military in foreign countries, and
about 48% classify either being disabled or unable to work or
both” according to Gillard, (2012, p.31). These numbers are
very instrumental in outlining the undertone of the HCV. The
fact that there are so many people experiencing homelessness in
the United States on each given night and the fact that most of

8. them are helpless in their current situation clearly shows the
relevance of the program. Thus, this program is instrumental in
bringing about a sense of relief to these people who are in
desperate need. “The current status of the program is that it has
4.8 million beneficiaries across the United States who can now
afford decent housing as a result of the program” (Gillard,
2012, p.32).
Evolution of the Policy
According to Newman, (2007, p.89) “HCV in its current state
can be traced back in 1937 because housing assistance programs
started in the United States during the period of the Great
Depression, it has progressed in assisting many recipients
lowering rate of homelessness.” In the 1960s the federal
government formulated the subsidy program to help in the
creation of low-income housing and help low-income families to
afford their rent. This is similar to the subsidy program that is
being used today. “The predecessor of the current program was
an amendment in the year 1965 of section 236 of the Leased
Housing Program of the greater U.S. Housing Act” (Newman,
2007, p.103). This subsidy program has evolved into the
voucher program that is currently being employed in the
country. Today the program is very instrumental when it comes
to the relief of people who cannot afford to house. People on the
program may choose the housing units that they desire. These
units have to be in line with certain provisions of the program.
However, once the beneficiaries of the program choose their
homes and they are approved, they can move in within a period
of 60 days.
Evaluation of the Policy
The Housing Choice Voucher Program has been the subject of
scrutiny over the course of time. (Desmond and Perkins, 2007)
study the implementation of the program. There are certain
guidelines to the program that all involved parties are supposed
to adhere. However, there may be unscrupulous parties that may
wish to make extra income from the program. The authors of the
article analyze landlords and how some of them have resorted to

9. using this program as a source of extra income. This is achieved
through charging beneficiaries of the program higher rates than
customary tenants. The article notes that such landlords take
advantage of the notion that these beneficiaries are likely to
comply with their demands that have limited choices and little
bargaining power (Desmond, Perkins, 2007).
Newman (2007) discussed the working dynamics of the Housing
Choice Voucher Program. The author of the article primarily
discusses the degree to which the program is used for the
benefit of people who need it. This article notes that without the
program the problem of homelessness would be a lot worse than
today, shared by Kathleen-Moore (2016). The Housing Choice
Voucher Program is among the most useful and essential aid
programs in the country today. This program covers a basic
human necessity which shelters and as a result restores the
dignity of its beneficiaries from a state of homelessness.Gillard
(2012) looks at the problem of homelessness in the United
States and how it has necessitated the HCV. Statistics show that
on average 564,000 people experience homelessness each night
in the United States. Out of this demographic, a total of 6.4%
are children who can be described as being vulnerable. These
high numbers and the associated risk factors make the program
essential to help citizens in need.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is helping manypeople,
but this does not mean that it is perfect.McCarty (2007) looks at
some imperfections of the program. These include the degree of
which it was difficult to get aid from the program. Graves
(2015) also looks at some flaws in the program. This article
explores some methods that can be used to improve the program
in the long run. These methods include increasing funding for
the program so that its beneficiaries can have a higher variety of
housing options to choose.
Research Methodologies Used in the Articles
The articles have employed some research methods in the
analysis of the effects of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The survey is an analysis method that used by some researchers

10. working on this program. Newman (2007) uses the study to
investigate the impact of the Housing Choice Voucher Program
on the American population. Among the data collection methods
employed by these researchers include interviews and getting
information from records and secondary sources.This survey
used data by Gillard (2012) in investigating the phenomenon of
homelessness in the United States. Graves (2015) carried out
extensive interviews with the beneficiaries of the program. The
aim of these meetings was to get their take on the program and
how they think it can be improved. Desmond and Perkins (2016)
also interviewed beneficiaries of the program as well as real
estate agents to get a picture of how recipients of the program
charged regarding rent to other tenants. McCarty (2007) uses
secondary data such as Congressional records on the HCV to
build an argument on how the program can be improved.
Effectiveness of the Policy
Statistics on the HCV speak volumes regarding the efficiency of
the system.Currently, the program has a total of 4.8 million
beneficiaries. This is a large base of recipients relating to the
number of families involved. The program pays for 70% of the
rent expenses, and the beneficiaries are only expected to pay
30% of their total rent costs. A massive reprieve especially for
people who are not financially stable. An example is a program
may consider an individual with an annual salary of $15,000
and less. The program also examines families with a yearly
income of $30,000 and below as potential beneficiaries of the
program.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program has based on the premise
that housing costs make up a huge portion of the income
expenses of people in the United States. The situation becomes
a lot worse when the revenue of the individual or family in
question is less than $30,000 per year. Thus, the aim is to help
people on the portion of their earnings that is used for rent
reduces significantly. Kauri (2012) explores the option of
converting the Housing Choice Voucher Program into a state-

11. administered to block grants. The aim of this is improving
access to the program by the local residents. Local residents in
this context refer to ordinary citizens who may need aid from
the program.
Remaining Gaps in Knowledge
Despite the extensive research that has been carried out on the
Housing Choice Voucher Program there are still gaps in
knowledge that need to cover. An example is clustering the
beneficiaries of the program in distinct neighborhoods has not
been analyzed. Clustering is an issue that can have a lot of
effects on a given community as well as the beneficiaries of the
program. In most cases, recipients of the program are low-
income individuals. If they are clustered in certain areas, this
might result in the development of a neighborhood with
increased poverty. Thus, there should be research on the effects
of clustering of beneficiaries of this program and how this
clustering affects their development as a community.
The opinion of other citizens on having recipients of the
Housing Choice Voucher Program move into their
neighborhoods is also an important area of knowledge that is
yet to be explored. In an ideal situation, there would be
complete acceptance of these beneficiaries into any area in the
country. However, there are some stereotypes which are
attached to people who receive aid from the government. These
stereotypes may affect the reception that the beneficiaries of
this program. Their general experience, as well as the level of
comfort in the new community, may also be affected by this
reaction.
Areas for Further Needed Research
The Housing Choice Voucher program is different from other
federal housing assistance programs due to the element of
choice. The beneficiaries of the Housing Choice Voucher
Program have the option of selecting the housing units that they
desire and use the vouchers to pay for these housing units
(Khadduri, 2012, p.257). However, an unusual pattern is
emerging with most beneficiaries of this program living in

12. similar neighborhoods or near each other. Since they are not
very financially stable, their concentration in certain areas leads
to high levels of poverty in these regions. There is no
conclusive research as to exactly why this clustering of
beneficiaries of this program exists. There have been several
theories advanced to explain this phenomenon such as the issue
of the landlords having the powers to approve or disapprove
renting their housing units to the beneficiaries of this program
(Khadduri, 2007, p.259). Nevertheless, this notion is based
mostly on speculation as opposed to scientific research. Thus,
the clustering of beneficiaries of this program in certain
neighborhoods is an area that needs further analysis especially
taking into account the notion that these beneficiaries have a
choice when it comes to the places in which they take residence.
The idea of recipients of the Housing Choice Voucher Program
moving into safe neighborhoods and integrating with the people
in these communities noble. However, the current society is
very prejudicial especially when it comes to characteristics such
as race and class or financial capabilities. An area that needs
further research is the acceptability of the beneficiaries of this
program in the communities in which they take residence. If the
communities do not accept them, then they may end up living
uncomfortable lives. This is a crucial area of research as the
findings can be used to formulate initiatives with which to
sensitize local communities on acceptance of people
irrespective of their social class or financial capabilities.
Analysis under human condition framework
Description of population
Over 564,000 people in the United States are faced by a state of
homelessness every night, and 6.4% of this total number is
children (McCarty, 2007). However, this number varies based
on the region. The number of homeless people each night is
usually higher in urban areas and major cities compared to rural
areas. There are some factors contributing to this state including
the high population in urban areas which leads to high

13. competition for available employment opportunities. A large
number of people in major cities increases the demand for
housing. As a result, the price of housing units is also high in
line with the law of demand and supply. Thus, the high demand
for housing units and subsequent high price of these units in
urban areas means that quite a sizable number of the population
may be unable to afford decent housing.
Shelter is considered a basic necessity along with food. The
people who lack this basic necessity are susceptible to various
dangers such as the risk of contracting diseases as a result of
extreme weather conditions. Homelessness is also a condition
that has psychological effects on the affected people. Society
tends to look down upon the homeless, and they are stereotyped
as being lazy and incapable of taking care of their own lives
(Desmond & Perkins, 2016).
Factors impacting how homelessness is experienced
Social factors such as discrimination and self-insufficiency are
major factors that affect the manner in which homeless people
deal with their condition. There are also economic factors at
play in this issue including living wages. Many people face
homelessness because they do not have a living wage (Newman,
2007). This locks them out of the mainstream housing market
and forces them to seek alternative shelter such as sleeping in
the streets and under bridges. Skills are an example of
individual factors which affect the manner in which the issue of
homelessness is experienced. Generally, when a person thinks
of a homeless person, the first thing that comes to their mind is
a person who has no notable job skills. However, this is far
from the truth. Statistics show that 8.3% of the total number of
people experiencing homelessness in the United States each
night are veterans (Newman, 2007). These are people who are
highly skilled when it comes to combat and have fought for
their country on foreign soil. However, financial issues, as well
as their inability to reintegrate into the civilian lifestyle, have
forced them into this state of homelessness.
Consequences of homelessness

14. The effects of homelessness are vast and range from personal
entrapment to a range of health issues (McCarty, 2007).
Examples of health complications that are likely to develop as a
result of homelessness include respiratory and cardiovascular
disorders, skin disease, tuberculosis. In addition, drug
dependency and physical, sexual assault are also created. There
are also several psychological effects of this state such as the
loss of will and ability to care for oneself, development of
behavioral problems and loss of self-esteem.
Social, ethical and economic justice considerations
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is an extension of the
ethical and social responsibility of the federal government. The
main mandate of the government is to take care of and protect
the citizens. The provision of housing for people who cannot
afford it is an example of the government taking care of the
needy people in the society. The element of choice in the
housing voucher program further serves to dignify the program
(McCarty, 2007). The program does not dictate or choose
certain locations where all the beneficiaries are expected to
live. Instead, it allows the beneficiaries to go out and choose
the housing units that best appeal to them. This is a social
aspect of the program that is important in ensuring that the
beneficiaries receive dignified housing.
Economic justice is also expressed in the rent requirements of
the Housing Choice Voucher Programs caters for. The main idea
behind the implementation of this program was to people who
need help are forced to spend more of their income on rent
(McCarty, 2007). This situation left them with little funds for
other activities. The program seeks to eliminate this problem by
paying the lion’s share’ of the beneficiaries of their rent
requirements. By paying 70% of these requirements, the
program ensures that the beneficiaries will spend less of their
income on rent and this will increase their portion of disposable
income that they have.
Needed changes to the policy
The demand for housing usually exceeds the resources that are

15. available at HUD (Khadduri, 2012). This results in long waiting
lists and leads to the development of some criteria that are used
in the selection of the beneficiaries. For example, a beneficiary
whose single and is able to pay up to 50% of the rent
requirements may receive preference over a family of eight
which is only able to pay 30% of the rent requirements. This
criterion does not take into consideration account the urgency
some potential beneficiaries may be in need of the housing aid
(Khadduri, 2012). It also fails to take into account that assisting
a family of eight offers more utility than assisting a family of
one simply because assisting the latter will cost less. Thus, the
main change that needs to be implemented concerns the waiting
list. Selection of beneficiaries from the waiting list should not
be based on the costs that will be incurred. Instead, it should be
based on the level of utility as well as the urgency of the people
on the waiting list
REFERENCES
Desmond, M., & Perkins, K. L. (2016). Are Landlords
Overcharging Housing Voucher Holders? City &
Community, 15(2), 137-162. doi:10.1111/cico.12180
Graves, E. (2015). Rooms for Improvement: A Qualitative

16. Metasynthesis of the Housing Choice Voucher
Program. Housing Policy Debate, 26(2), 346-361.
doi:10.1080/10511482.2015.1072573
Gillard, A. (2012). Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Kathleen-Moore, M. (2016). Lists and lotteries: Rationing in the
Housing Choice Voucher Program. Housing Policy
Debate, 26(3), 474-487. doi:10.1080/10511482.2015.1129984
McCarty, M. (2007). Section 8 housing choice voucher
program: Issues and reform proposals in the 110th Congress.
Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress.
Newman, S. J. (2007). Housing allowances American style: The
Housing Choice Voucher program. Housing allowances in
comparative perspective, 5(3), 87-104.
doi:10.1332/policypress/9781861347541.003.0005