Making Mobility Work: Understanding Housing Choice Voucher Recipient Preferences and Neighborhood Access in Dallas

Abstract

This thesis provides insights into the neighborhood and housing priorities of housing choice voucher recipients in Dallas as well as the obstacles they encounter and the support structures they rely on during their voucher utilization process. Research was conducted through an online survey administered by the Dallas Housing Authority to voucher recipients who had been issued a voucher by DHA in the past two years. Survey results were then cross-referenced with ZIP-code data provided by DHA for each respondent. This research found that many top voucher recipient preferences—including respondents’ preferences to reside in safe neighborhoods with good schools that are close to a grocery store—remained consistent regardless of the type of voucher they were issued or where they ultimately used their voucher. It also found that source-of-income discrimination remains a significant barrier to voucher utilization in Dallas, and as a result, many voucher recipients lack sufficient and reliable information for determining where they should look to use their voucher. This research shows that there is an immediate need for source-of-income protection for voucher recipients, and until this need is met, local governments and housing authorities should take steps to identify and share comprehensive information regarding voucher-accepting properties with voucher recipients.