Iowa City, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – Shelter House Iowa City has asserted that the recent fire at a homeless encampment, which occurred last week, could have been prevented. The tragic incident sheds light on the growing issue of homelessness in the area, where the homeless population is facing numerous challenges in securing safe and stable housing, particularly in the context of Section 8 housing.
According to Christine Hayes, the Director of Communication and Development at Shelter House Iowa City, 13 individuals had been living in the encampment near Gilbert Street over the past year. The distressing fact is that almost all the residents of this encampment possessed housing vouchers and had actively applied for housing, only to be denied time and again, revealing the persistent Section 8 housing obstacles.
“The harsh reality is that nearly every individual residing in this encampment had a housing voucher and had diligently sought housing opportunities but were met with denials,” said Hayes.
The ‘Point in Time’ count conducted by Johnson County has revealed that the number of people living on the streets has tripled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes pointed out that a state law passed in 2021 has exacerbated the situation, giving landlords the authority to refuse tenants who rely on federal Section 8 vouchers to cover their rent. The Section 8 housing program has become a contentious issue, affecting homeless individuals’ access to secure housing.
Hayes stated, “It is legal in the state of Iowa for landlords to deny housing applications solely because prospective tenants utilize housing vouchers, further deepening the Section 8 housing dilemma. This legal provision exacerbates the homelessness crisis.”
Furthermore, Hayes highlighted an emerging trend concerning income verification, which is particularly challenging for Section 8 housing applicants. Many landlords now demand proof of income equivalent to three times the monthly rent. Unfortunately, these housing vouchers, which a significant number of encampment residents rely on, are not considered as income, intensifying the Section 8 housing hurdles.
“For instance, if the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $800, individuals are required to demonstrate they have $2,400 in monthly income, even if their vouchers cover 100% of the rent. This requirement places an additional burden on those already struggling to secure Section 8 housing,” Hayes explained.
According to Hayes, the recent fire could have been prevented if more landlords were willing to accept housing vouchers and if there were more affordable Section 8 housing options available. However, Shelter House is now focusing its efforts on assisting those who lost everything in the fire to rebuild their lives, emphasizing the need for improved Section 8 housing availability.
Hayes added, “It’s heartbreaking to witness the challenges they face in recovering their possessions, finding stability, and healing from the trauma they’ve experienced.”
In a ray of hope, Hayes mentioned that six individuals who lived in the encampment were able to secure housing this year, underscoring the importance of providing more affordable Section 8 housing options and eliminating barriers for homeless individuals to access stable housing. The Section 8 housing program must play a central role in addressing homelessness.
The fire incident has brought the issue of homelessness and Section 8 housing to the forefront, calling for a collaborative effort from the community, policymakers, and landlords to find solutions that provide housing and support for those in need, with a particular focus on improving Section 8 housing accessibility.