The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has reported significant progress in its rental assistance programs, reinforcing its dedication to providing affordable housing for American families. These achievements are part of the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing efforts to tackle the nation's housing crisis. From the outset, President Biden and Vice President Harris have focused on expanding access to affordable housing, including strengthening the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Adrianne Todman highlighted these accomplishments during an event with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“HUD’s rental assistance programs are not just about providing people with an affordable place to live – they are also addressing a critical issue facing this country, high housing costs,” said Adrianne Todman, HUD Agency Head. “I am proud that this Administration fought for and received additional rental assistance resources, the most in 20 years. We also made strides to strengthen this voucher program.”
In September, HUD marked the 50th anniversary of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, which is the largest rental assistance initiative in the United States. Since it began in 1974, the HCV program has enabled millions of families to access affordable housing options in their chosen communities. Under the current administration, HUD has distributed over 120,000 new incremental housing vouchers—the largest increase in two decades—including Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Family Unification Program/Foster Youth to Independence vouchers, Mainstream vouchers, Stability Vouchers, and Emergency Housing Vouchers.
Other notable achievements under HUD's Housing Choice Voucher program include:
- Since 2023, HUD has allocated or made available more than $77 million to prevent homelessness among youth aging out of foster care.
- Nearly 90,000 veterans have been served through the VASH program—an unprecedented number in its history.
- Flexibilities have been established to assist individuals in finding apartments and increasing collaboration with landlords nationwide.
- Private rental data has been incorporated to ensure vouchers remain usable amid changing market conditions.
