The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) is a HUD initiative that enables Public Housing Authorities to preserve affordable housing. By converting properties from traditional public housing funding to long-term, project-based Section 8 contracts, RAD allows Public Housing Authorities to leverage private capital for critical repairs, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, new construction. This approach provides stable, predictable funding, addresses long-standing maintenance backlogs, and ensures housing remains affordable while protecting resident rights.