Tyrone Roderick Williams, president and CEO of Fresno Housing, speaks during a ribbon cutting Aug. 3, 2022, in Downtown Fresno. Listening in is Ashley Swearengin, executive director of the Central Valley Community Foundation. Photo by Edward Smith

Despite the federal government shutdown, Section 8 housing payments are continuing as scheduled for the time being.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has committed funding that will allow public housing authorities to operate their voucher programs through October and likely into mid-November, covering the government’s share of rent for Section 8 recipients, according to the California Association of Realtors. 

Several California housing agencies including the Fresno Housing Authority have confirmed that their operations remain uninterrupted and voucher payments are being issued as scheduled.

However, questions still remain. 

“The partial federal government shutdown creates uncertainty for housing programs nationwide, including the Housing Choice Voucher program,” Fresno Housing CEO Tyrone Roderick Williams said. “Fresno Housing has received funding from HUD to ensure that October Housing Assistance Payments are issued on schedule, and we are working diligently to keep families and landlords informed every step of the way. Stable housing is essential to the health and well-being of our community. Thousands of Fresno County residents rely on these resources to keep a roof over their heads, and landlords depend on timely payments to continue providing quality housing.”

Williams added that the Fresno Housing Authority will remain open.

“We remain hopeful that Congress will act quickly to resolve the shutdown. In the meantime, Fresno Housing is open, providing services, and closely monitoring developments. Our commitment to residents and property partners has not wavered, and we will provide immediate updates should there be any changes to housing assistance in the months ahead.”