Waitlisted by the Government
Monica* is a 61-year-old disabled woman working three jobs to make her ends meet. She makes roughly $2,500 a month, pays $1500 for rent, $300 for car, plus add in bills and food and it becomes impossible to save any money. Monica’s rent is going up, and she needs cheaper housing. She needs to drop two jobs because she physically cannot work that much, but if she does this, she will be homeless.
Monica applied for several waitlists for federally funded housing, housing vouchers, section 8, section 42, and more. She isn't old enough for senior housing (age 62). She was denied every time for “making too much money” to meet income restrictions or “not enough money” to meet 3x rent for the apartments. She would literally need to be homeless to get help. And even then, some places require jobs, a specific monthly income, and base your income on last year’s tax return.
Post COVID-19 the housing voucher and housing assistance waist lists have hundreds of individuals and families needing housing. Some waitlists are so full they aren’t taking any more applications. To try and receive help and prevent homelessness is impossible with the current legislature. Monica is just simply one person who is falling through the cracks of homelessness just like many others.
The housing crisis is not getting better and people like Monica cannot afford to live. Those that are already houseless will gain “preference” on these waitlists, but even with preference it could take months. Those near homelessness are at a huge disadvantage trying to balance low income, rent, and bills but still be able to receive housing vouchers and qualify for housing assistance. The only other option is homelessness.
We need advocates for people who are unable or unwilling to advocate for themselves. Why? Because humanity depends on it.
Our congress is a problem. Our government is a problem.
Our elected officials are there to help our citizens. Our most vulnerable populations are suffering and receiving little to no support and assistance from the government. There are bills constantly being introduced to congress and senate by local politicians, but the bills will never pass.
This is despicable and immoral. There are more than 500 congressmen/women, why aren't there more cosponsors?
Our community can only improve if we are willing to take care of each other.
Vote, participate, advocate.
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*Name has been changed to disguise the interviewee
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