Low-income Americans wait years to get housing vouchers that are often impossible to use. Fixing the system could mean more funding and less red tape.

• The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the biggest, most effective federal housing assistance program.
• But housing vouchers are both severely underfunded and complicated to use.
• Proposals include increasing funding, easing inspection rules, and exploring cash assistance options.

The most effective housing assistance program in the country is facing a slew of mounting challenges. The federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, is also the biggest, aiding about 5 million people in 2.3 million households.