54,000 in Phila. apply for federal rent subsidies

For the first time in a decade, the Philadelphia Housing Authority opened the door to applications for federal rent subsidies - and faced a stampede of new requests.

From March 2 to 15, 54,000 people filed applications for rent help, the Housing Authority said yesterday.

That's up from the 40,000 people who were waiting in the queue for so-called housing choice vouchers when the door shut in 2000.

Executive Director Carl Greene said the spike in requests reflects the increasing financial need of many Philadelphia households. Many of the applicants were returning households who renewed their requests for help; others were newcomers.

"There are a lot more people out there in need of housing support," Greene said. "It's a gauge of economic conditions in the marketplace."

Greene said PHA gets about $150 million a year in federal money for rent subsidies for about 17,000 households.

He said payments amount to about $850 a month and are based on income levels, household size, and need.

In addition, PHA has an additional 14,000 families and individuals living in public housing units that it manages directly.

PHA is a state-authorized agency, funded by the federal government and focused on the needs of lower-income city residents.

Demand for rent help far outstrips the supply of vouchers. Greene said that every year, about 1,200 vouchers turn over.

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