As the U.S. government shuts down, housing advocates warn that key federal programs—including Section 8 rental assistance and HUD-backed development deals—could face serious delays if the impasse continues. Section 8 contracts funded for now—but risks loomFor now, October’s Section 8 project-based rental assistance contracts are covered. But if the shutdown stretches into November or December, payments could stop, affecting landlords and tenants alike. During the 2019 shutdown, over 1,000 assistance contracts expired without renewal. With the shutdown now in effect, local housing agencies may be forced to stretch limited funding even further.