HELP! My tenant caused $16,000 of damage!

[Matt Everling]

Seeking solid advice. I bought a SFR 1.5 years ago and did a full rehab that cost me $22k. My first Section 8 tenant moved into it, stopped paying rent 6 months ago and has total trashed it. I finally got them out and my contractor who did the original rehab 1.5 years ago just gave me a $16,000 bid to fix all the damage! I thought that Section 8 was supposed to guarantee rent? Do I sue the tenant/Housing Authority and get a judgement, can I garnish wages? I need a solid way forward. Really appreciate any help.