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More landlords needed to participate in RHA programs housing evacuees from Puerto Rico

rochesterhousing.org

Over 100 fast tracked Section 8 housing choice vouchers have been handed out to Hurricane Maria evacuees from Puerto Rico in Rochester.

That’s according to John Hill, executive director of the Rochester Housing Authority.

He says one stop housing fairs, where people can apply for vouchers and get help finding apartments are the best way to serve the increased need in the city. The Housing Authority held one this weekend.

"This is the way to really get it done. When you get this many people having one on one appointments like we do in our normal setting doesn’t get it done. The families have sometimes only what they brought with them. They’re living with some family, they’re living with some friends, some are living in shelters."

But with only eight or nine landlords at this fair, he said they’re going to need more to participate.

"When people get their voucher they begin looking. And if there are not enough landlords we can over issue. We don’t think we're quite there, but because the competition is greater because so many people have a voucher and are looking, we need more landlords."

Hill said they plan on holding another housing fair for evacuees within the next month.