What is the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program?

The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program is designed to facilitate the conversion of public housing to project-based rental assistance, allowing public housing authorities to leverage private investment and make necessary improvements to the properties. This strategy enables these authorities to secure funding for critical repairs and upgrades, thereby enhancing the quality of housing for residents while maintaining affordability. By transitioning to project-based rental assistance, the program helps to stabilize housing infrastructures that may otherwise be at risk due to funding shortfalls, while ensuring continued federal support for low-income families.

The other options represent different concepts not aligned with the RAD program's objectives. Direct cash assistance targets individuals rather than addressing housing infrastructure. A nationwide reduction in rental prices does not pinpoint the structural changes necessitated by public housing authorities under RAD. An increase in public housing units, while important, differs from RAD's focus on improving existing public housing through conversion and revitalization efforts.