2024 Theses Master's

Unmasking Hidden Barriers: How Source of Income Discrimination Undermines the Housing Choice Voucher Program’s Promise of Choice & the Impact of SOI Protections

Vera, Gabrielle

This study investigates Source of Income discrimination in housing, specifically among people who receive a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) in New York City. This research focuses on the experiences of HCV recipients and the barriers they face when trying to use their vouchers in the local housing market. The study involved two groups of participants: an expert in fair housing and a fair housing investigator, as well as HCV recipients in New York City.

The research was conducted using a qualitative research design, with data being collected through interviews. Participants engaged in open-ended discussions on their experiences in the HCV program and the challenges they faced while trying to secure rental housing using their vouchers.

This study is significant as it applied a human rights framework to evaluate the effectiveness of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program, providing a nuanced understanding of its unintended impacts. Additionally, this study highlights discrimination faced by HCV recipients and offers solutions to address gaps in the implementation of the HCV program.