Silicon Valley Housing Advocates Speak Out Against Section 8 Sequester Cuts
SAN JOSE (KCBS) — Affordable housing advocates held a protest outside the Santa Clara County Housing Authority on Tuesday over proposed cuts to Section 8 housing vouchers.
The Section 8 Housing program helps low-income residents pay rent. Six percent of the program's funding would be cut in the proposal, due to the federal budget sequester.
"We get a lot more airplay of 30 minute-flight delays than we do about the thousands and tens of thousands of people that could become homeless because of these decisions," said Jennifer Loving, executive director of Destination: Home.
Silicon Valley Housing Advocates Speak Out Against Section 8 Sequestration Cuts
"Today the housing authority is going to implement what they call sequester," said Sandy Perry with the Affordable Housing Network, who was among the dozens of protesters.
Perry argues the government has a responsibility to help poor Americans stay in housing.
Christy Wong is one of those who could be back on the streets, if Section 8 vouchers cover less of her rent in Silicon Valley.
"I'm barely making it. I'm collecting cans just to survive," she said.
Advocates estimate that tens of thousands of vouchers could be lost nationwide if the recent sequestration cuts stand.
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