Federal mandates for section eight housing vouchers are limiting access for people in need.
State officials say their hands are tied on offering assistance.
Bryan Achbach is the Executive Director of the Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Board.
“We are capped by the federal government at 1,453 vouchers at any given time. I can’t lease more than that. Or assist more families than that. We’re up against our cap,” said Achbach.
According to state documentation over 2,500 families are currently on the list for section eight housing in Pennington County.
There is an estimated two year wait.
This only represents one county in South Dakota. All counties follow the same federal mandate based on population.
Families who are denied or on the wait list must source another option.
Achbach said outside of what the federal government provides, local organizations play a large role in assisting the families.
“In the past, I’ve seen Volunteers of America be able to step up and help. I’ve seen the Pennington Health and Human Services step up and help. I’m sure I’m missing some here but that’s what you see as the local community kind of does their part to try and fill in the gap,” said Achbach.
He said Pennington County is growing and requires more services.
Achbach said he doesn’t see a political push for an increase in vouchers despite the need.
