Source: Times Argus, August 30, 2010

By Patricia Minichiello

“Local housing authorities around the state have capped requests for Section 8 housing vouchers by closing waiting lists as they deal with a surge in applications.

Now the state is following suit.

The Vermont State Housing Authority will close its waiting list for Section 8 vouchers by the end of September due to a burgeoning waiting list that exceeds 3,000 people.

Richard Williams, executive director of the program, said he expects the number of applicants on the waiting list to jump from 3,200 to 3,800 or 4,000 by Sept. 30, when the list officially closes.

“We never used to close our list. This is the second time we closed it, but the demand is just so high and people call and ask, ‘where am I on the list’ and you don’t have any good news to give them,” he said.

The VSHA has 3,950 vouchers to distribute to applicants who qualify, but the rate of turnover is only 25 to 50 vouchers a month. Williams said, at this rate, there will be people on the waiting list four years or longer…”

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