MEDIA RELEASE
Contacts:
Ashley Lommers-Johnson, CEO | info@rhaonline.com | 919-508-1301
Katie Lebrato, Communications Manager | klebrato@rhanc.gov | 919-508-1313
December 11, 2024
Raleigh Housing Authority Achieves 101% Utilization of HCV Program,
Housing 400 Additional Families in Less Than Two Years
RALEIGH, NC – The Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, achieving 101% utilization for the first time in its history. Since January 2023, RHA has successfully housed 400 additional families, bringing the total number of families served to over 4,200—up from 91% utilization less than two years ago.
This achievement positions RHA among the top-performing housing authorities nationwide and makes it the leader in North Carolina for effective use of Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as the Section 8 program. With a current total of 1,019 landlords participating in the program, RHA has surpassed expectations, proving that public-private partnerships are not only viable but essential for solving the affordable housing crisis in our community.
“Reaching 101% utilization is not just a number—it’s about serving people in need,” said RHA CEO Ashley Lommers-Johnson. “There are 400 more families in the Wake County area who now have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. We’re proud of our team’s hard work, but we also recognize that this success is a testament to the ongoing support from local landlords who continue to partner with us to make this possible.”
The growth in participation from landlords has been a key driver of RHA’s success, with the number of private landlords willing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers increasing by approximately 100-150 in the past year alone. RHA Leased Housing staff have worked tirelessly to build relationships with these landlords and address concerns, proving that with collaboration, more families can be helped.
In the face of challenges such as the nationwide housing shortage and rising rental costs, RHA’s success in fully utilizing its available vouchers shows the power of determination, innovation, and community partnerships. The agency remains committed to improving access to affordable housing for residents and continues to collaborate with landlords, government partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that this progress continues.
Key Achievements:
- RHA’s HCV program has achieved 101% utilization, up from 91% less than two years ago.
- 400 additional families have been housed in safe, decent, and affordable housing in the Wake County area since January 2023.
- More than 4,200 households currently benefit from the voucher program.
- The number of participating landlords has grown to 1,019—a significant increase from 800+ last year.
- RHA remains the highest-performing housing authority in North Carolina in terms of voucher utilization.
As we approach the holiday season, RHA encourages community members to celebrate this accomplishment, recognizing that every new family housed represents a brighter future and a step toward closing the affordable housing gap in our region.
About Raleigh Housing Authority
Since its inception in 1938, the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) has become one of the largest providers of affordable housing in Wake County. Currently, RHA owns and manages nearly 2,000 affordable housing units and administers more than 4,000 Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers. The occupancy rate for public housing averages 99% and the voucher program is 101.1% utilized.* There is a waiting list for both programs.
RHA has a nine-member Board of Commissioners that provides oversight for the Authority. Under HUD’s report card called the Public Housing Assessment System, RHA has been consistently rated as a “High Performer.” The mission of RHA is to provide safe, quality, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income families in the greater Raleigh community, and to promote personal responsibility and self-sufficiency of residents while maintaining the fiscal integrity of the agency.
For more information about the program, please visit: www.rhaonline.com.
*As of December 2024
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