Housing Security

Carol Lamberg starts from the belief that housing is a human right, and she argues that the United States, one of the wealthiest nations on earth, has no justification for homelessness. Her focus is Section 8, a program created when the 1974 revision of the housing act that had established public housing reshaped federal assistance. The revised program used federal funds to help households pay rent in existing homes and gave developers support to build or renovate affordable units. Lamberg was an advocate when the program was enacted, and she proposed an amendment, which succeeded, that let large families pay only 15 percent of their income toward rent.

The book traces earlier housing programs before turning to President Nixon's housing moratorium and the study that led to Section 8. One chapter profiles Carla A. Hills, who served as housing secretary under President Ford. A case study examines how Section 8 supported performing artists and contributed to the revival of Times Square in Manhattan.

Other chapters analyze the program's costs and budget and assess the changes made under President Reagan, which Lamberg views critically. The book also includes brief interviews with seven Section 8 tenants living in New York, Washington State, and Florida.

The final chapter presents Lamberg's recommendations for expanding and improving the current program.