Doug Adkins, Community Revitalization director, said he thinks Section 8 tenants are often the victims because of where they live.
“They are often our most vulnerable citizens, and we predominantly have them living at this time in our oldest, least-maintained housing stock in our highest-crime neighborhoods,” Adkins said. “While these housing units meet the (housing quality standards) of having working appliances, etc., many are far from ideal.”
Middletown police Sgt. Jim Cunningham said the crime problems in Section 8 neighborhoods are nothing new for Middletown — or any other city. But with new software, police are better equipped to track crimes committed in Section 8 housing and respond appropriately. In cases where Section 8 tenants are causing the crime, they are often removed from the program, Adkins said.
City Council voted in a new administrative plan for the Section 8 program in October. The changes include more incentives for higher-quality housing and increasing the payment standard for housing outside the city. Adkins said these changes aren’t just meant to reduce the number of voucher holders in the city, but also to help Section 8 tenants receive better housing in safer neighborhoods.
“In the end, we should reduce the number of vouchers within the city, and, at the same time, provide better, safer housing for our Section 8 program,” Adkins said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.
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