WFAA


Posted on July 14, 2011 at 8:52 AM

Updated today at 11:05 AM






DALLAS — Hundreds of people lined up Thursday morning to apply for Dallas County Section 8 housing vouchers.


The office at the Jesse Owens Memorial Complex wasn't supposed to open until 8 a.m., but some applicants started lining up at 10 o'clock Wednesday night.

Police kept people off school district property until the gates opened at 6 a.m. That resulted in a long string of cars lined up on the streets.

Doors were opened early.

Hundreds of people rushed the line, causing moments of unruliness. But authorities eventually gained control.

Seven people were treated by paramedics. None were taken to the hospital.

The federally-subsidized vouchers pay a portion of the rent, based on household income.


This is the first time in five years that the Dallas County waiting list for vouchers has been open.

Applicants who do get on the list could face a wait of up to two years before receiving assistance.

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