Section 8 myths/facts

Myth: Most Section 8 vouchers in Cedar Rapids are held by people from Chicago.

Fact: 93 percent of vouchers in Cedar Rapids were issued locally, and the program requires one year of residency, and has a three to five year waiting list. 4.8 percent of vouchers come from Illinois, representing about 50 households.

Myth: Most Section 8 vouchers in Cedar Rapids are used in Wellington Heights.

Fact: Of the 1066 vouchers in use today, 185 are in southeast Cedar Rapids. The quadrant with the most vouchers is southwest Cedar Rapids, with 316.

Myth: When someone uses a Section 8 voucher, he or she can invite lots of friends and family to live with them in the unit.

Fact: A Section 8 voucher will be terminated if the voucher-holder breaks the terms of the agreement, and one term is that "unauthorized occupants" are forbidden.

I'll be working on a story about Section 8 in Cedar Rapids over the next few weeks, and I'm looking for people who have experience with it -- renters, neighbors, cops. I'm not sure what the story will say, but I want to get as many ideas and perspectives as possible before it goes to press. Call me!

My phone number is 319-398-8273 and my e-mail is adam.belz@gazcomm.com