The Section 8 Housing Program was established by Congress in 1974. In accordance with the "1998 Act" and effective October 1, 1999, the new Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) is the result of the completion of the merger of the old Certificate and Voucher programs into one single, new market-driven program. The new program is designed to make the tenant-based housing assistance program more successful at helping low-income families obtain affordable housing and increase their housing choices. The program is administered in every state throughout the country. 

 

The HCVP has been operating in the District of Columbia for over a decade, and more than 10,300 families are receiving assistance through various housing assistance programs.