Participants received rental assistance vouchers that could be used to rent a housing unit in the private rental market. Units had to meet U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards and be priced similarly to other units in the area. Local housing agencies worked in conjunction with local TANF agencies to provide comprehensive work-related services that were available in the broader community to assist participants with financial self-sufficiency. Housing agencies could terminate rental assistance for nonparticipation in required work or training activities. HUD renewed the voucher program annually for eligible participants until March 2004, when the vouchers were phased out and were incorporated into the Housing Choice Voucher program. Families previously or currently receiving TANF or those eligible to receive TANF benefits were eligible to participate in the Welfare-to-Work Voucher program. The program took place in six sites: Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Fresno, CA; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and Spokane, WA.
The Welfare-to-Work Voucher program provided Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other very low-income families with housing assistance to help participants successfully transition from welfare to work.