Are we as an industry automatically prejudice against those on Section 8?

I recently participated in a Facebook discussion about how we stereotype those who receive section 8 or any type of government housing assistance. I will admit, I have been guilty of this and have to constantly remind myself that because of where I work and the person that I strive to be, that I cannot think like this.  It is very hard.  I had found myself resenting the fact that all or partial of their rent is paid while my partner and I work our butts off to support our family and are barely making it. There have been times that I let that resentment affect how I view these residents. However, no one wants to be resented no matter what their status in life is.

As professionals who are working with section 8 vouchers it is not our place to judge the person who is applying for our community solely based on the fact that they are receiving state assistance. Trust me, it is hard to do when you have the young parent in your office with 6 kids and can barely write a complete sentence. However, we do not know the type of life they have had, our position is to give them a decent home. That is the bottom line.

Do you offer incentives to your residents to improve themselves so that one day they may be independent of section 8?  Would you even want to try to make the difference in someone’s life that is receiving section 8? Would you continue to view them as beneath you or with resentment because you are the one not receiving the benefits?

Offering benefits to improve one’s self is a great way to make a difference for a family and it can affect the entire morale on your property and with the entire onsite team. Will you have a ton of people come to your classes? Probably not, but the handful that you do come will always be grateful to you.

My aunt heads a non-profit company that places women in affordable housing. She was telling me of a woman that was on state welfare and worked her way off of state welfare and into a property manager position. My aunt worked with her for several years to help her achieve this goal and feels very blessed to have been able to be a part of this property manager’s life personally and professionally. 

I hear comments all day regarding section 8 voucher holders and realized that it is resentment on all levels. We need to remember that even if a person is rich or homeless they deserve respect and not to be stereotyped.  If your property allows section 8 but you have looked at the person with annoyance, maybe rethink how you can affect their lives when they walk into your office next time.  A little help can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.