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Section 8 is a Federal housing program enacted by Congress in 1974 for the benefit of lower-income families. Author Lamberg took on a variety of administrative responsibilities in the long-term development of the program in New York City. She describes some of the difficulties inherent in its navigation, showing its growth and expansion over the past nearly fifty years. Lamberg notes that New York City has had a housing crisis since its earliest settlement, with housing regulations being established and then subsequently ignored.
In 1890, Jacob Riis wrote How the Other Half Lives, painting a disturbing portrait of the city's poverty-ridden slum dwellers and the corruption of its landlords and builders. Other pioneering voices included Governor Alfred Smith, Abraham Kazan, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes. A major act of 1949 promoted "a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family," a goal that, Lamberg stresses, is still awaiting complete fulfillment. However, progress was made with President Johnson's creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD's progress was temporarily slowed in 1972 when it was inexplicably put on a moratorium by President Nixon. Then came the needed comprehensive upgrade when President Ford signed the far-reaching Housing and Community Development Act, now generally known as Section 8. Even now, in re-reading it, Lamberg finds details of that act encouraging, promising realistic benefits to tenants and property owners alike.
Through the intervening years, complexities in the administration of Section 8 programs nationwide have inevitably arisen. Yet, the laudable aspects of the original vision remain, such as a commitment to explore solar energy. Lamberg herself has played an impressive and award-winning role over the years as Executive Director of the Settlement Housing Fund in New York City and as a vocal campaigner for universal Section 8 to the current day. She modestly recounts her continued efforts to institute fair housing, including her work with the Manhattan Plaza project, which, in collaboration with Section 8 provisions, has helped innumerable aspiring actors as well as a host of elderly and other deserving segments of the population.
She interviews a number of Section 8 participants, giving readers a broader view of her subject. Some of those interviewed report undeniable detriments in the system, such as sometimes being on a waiting list for years, problems with neglectful management, and some substandard conditions in the housing units themselves. Some speak of a general bias against those who live in Section 8 housing. Nonetheless, positive notes also ring through the tenant accounts, with Section 8 being seen as a much-needed stepping stone to further life achievement.
Through personal recollections and impressive data collection, Lamberg has diligently constructed this chronicle to better inform those with less direct knowledge of the issues she examines and urge those with awareness and influence to take a still closer look. She expresses her hope that the current administration will follow through on its campaign promise for every American to have access to Section 8 rental assistance. Anything less than that, she believes, is less than our American best.
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