Housing Processes and Preferences: Subsidized Renters' Experience in an Uncertain Policy Context

Background: Created in the 1970s, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is the federal government’s most prominent form of federal aid assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. More than 5 million people in 2.1 million low-income families use vouchers to help them afford housing on the private market (Center for Budget and Policy Priorities [CBPP], 2015). Participants of the HCV program may choose a rental housing unit that meets the requirements of the program, which includes family size, income, and specifications about space relative to the number of occupants (HUD, 2015). Theoretically, HCV should serve as a mechanism to deconcentrate poverty and reduce racial segregation, as vouchers are not tied to specific residential developments (DeLuca, Garboden & Rosenblatt, 2013). However, in reality, minority voucher holders are overrepresented in poor, segregated communities. Previous scholarship has found that limited housing search resources, involuntary mobility (e.g. evictions, life disruptions, utility shut-off, etc.), unscrupulous landlord practices, and other aspects of the HCV program itself are all factors that herd HCV renters into poor neighborhoods and then limit their ability to escape (DeLuca, Garboden & Rosenblatt, 2013; Rosen, 2014). Using St. Louis, Missouri as a case study, the following study seeks to: (1) understand the housing search processes and preferences of HCV renters and (2) understand HCV renters’ satisfaction with their housing unit and neighborhood.

Method: We analyzed data from 34 in-depth qualitative interviews from HCV voucher holders in St. Louis City and County. With the help of the St. Louis Housing Authority, participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method based on the number of voucher holders, percent living in poverty, and the geographic location of the 63 ZIP codes associated with St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Interviews were transcribed research.

Results: The majority of participants self-identified as Black, with two interviewees identifying as Black in combination with another race. Participants were mostly female (n=31) and high school graduates, many with some vocational training or college. The average age of participants was 47.9 years. Monthly incomes averaged at $655/month, generally in the form of Social Security or another form of public assistance. The average household size was 2.3 people. The average time participants were on the HCV waitlist was 4 years. Most participants conducted their housing search online (i.e. SocialServe), through the newspaper, and/or worth-of-mouth (i.e. referrals through family/friends). About one-third of participants (n=10) explicitly cited application fees as a deterrent to consideration of certain housing units.  Most participants expressed satisfaction with their housing unit in regards to aesthetics and space. In addition, most participants expressed satisfaction with the location of their housing unit (e.g., proximity to family, public transportation and schools for their children).

Implications: Despite structural issues such as waitlists and application fees, participants were generally satisfied with their housing units. The findings from this study suggest that slight policy tweaks to address waitlists and application fees may increase satisfaction and broaden housing prospects to renters.