The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) finds dramatic increases in worst case housing needs during the 2009–2011 period that cut across demographic groups, household types, and regions. This rise in hardship among renters is due to substantial increases in rental housing demand and weakening incomes that increase competition for already-scarce affordable units.

Given the severely challenged economic conditions that the United States confronted during this period, particularly surrounding the housing market, it is not surprising that the need for housing assistance outpaced the ability of federal, state, and local governments to supply it. The Worst Case Housing Needs 2011: Report to Congress examines the causes of and trends in worst case needs for affordable rental housing.

This report is part of the collection of Affordable Housing & Worst Case Needs Reports to Congress.