It’s the ultimate disappointment: Somehow, you haven’t been able to qualify for Section 8 Housing, or there is no more funding left. Worse, it could just be that the waiting line is too long, so to speak. So what do you do if you can’t find viable housing in time? Here are some ways you can find housing if you’re having trouble getting a housing choice voucher.
Take a walk around the neighborhood
Yes, it may sound weird, but you should take a walk around the neighborhood and see if there are any job openings in stores or for gardeners or maintenance men. Talk with some of the older people in the neighborhood and befriend them. Why? The following are possible:
You can get a “bed space” if you’re working for the shop. Some shops allow people to sleep in an employee’s room. Do take note, however, that this works better if you’re a single person, or if your family is small. Also, do expect that your salary may be a bit smaller than usual – but at least there will be a roof over your head. This can also work for medium-sized buildings (who need maintenance people) and apartment complexes. It may even apply if there is an opening for maintenance support for government departments such as fire stations.
You can get some space in someone’s spare room. If you offer a service, like gardening, cleaning up houses or just being an all-around handyman, there may be people willing to rent you a room in their house (or even just take over part of their garage or tool shed), as long as you take care of their stuff. Again, it works better if you’re a single person or you have a small family.
And lastly, remember to check with the local government offices periodically to reapply for all possible assistance programs.
Sign up on the box at the right for more housing options.
12 Responses
I am a 53 yr. old woman on diability & my monthly check is
$678 a month & my rent is $625. There is no funding from the
Housing Authorities, & the waiting list is over 2yrs. long. How
do I go about getting a voucher for where I am living now? Or
someone told me to try for a grant. My disability prevents me
from working at all, therefore I need to find assistance with my
rent so I can be able to buy my monthly household needs & a
phone. I have had 3 heart attacks & it’s scary to not have a
phone. I need help, please.
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Hello, Cynthia!
Normally, grants are coursed through local programs – it would be a good idea to check with your local government offices if they have housing or cash assistance programs aside from Section 8 and Social Security programs. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done if there is already a waiting list for housing. One way to bolster your budget would be to find out if there are community livelihood programs or disability assistance projects that may be able to at least get you basic services and cash assistance. Other than that, there’s no harm in trying to see if there are Social Security, Unemployment and Housing assistance programs that you may have overlooked. There are even weatherization and utility bill assistance programs for the disabled.
Posted on August 27th, 2010 at 7:54 am
I have 5 children and can not seem to find anything or anyone that can help. I dont want to end up on the street if I can’t stay long at a shelter
Posted on September 1st, 2010 at 4:33 am
Hello, Renee!
Here are some of our articles that may be able to help you.
Housing Assistance If Moving In with Others
Home Budget Assistance
Public Housing Agencies
Section 8 Housing Tips
HUD Public Housing
Facts about Housing Choice Vouchers
Posted on September 4th, 2010 at 1:44 am
I am a single mom and currenlty live with my ex in laws. They are wanting me to move out, but with my low income I can not afford a place of my own. I tried for section 8 but they are not taking applications and haven’t been for 3 years now. I was told that I can apply for housing assistance through the county, but I can not find anywhere online how to do that or what that is all about. I really need to get my pwn place, but no one can seem to help. Any suggestions?
Posted on October 11th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Are there any places to assist me? I am despirate and in need of an apartment.
Posted on October 18th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
I’m am a 33 year old single mom. Me and one of my kids have severe asthma. I’ve been on life support so I’m apying for disability but keep getting denied. I recently got evicted and utilities are off. I’ve been to every agency- some of them are the salvation army,housing authority,united way,churches, the crisis center,the city shelter…exc. No one will help. I don’t knowwhat to do. I’ve enrolled in college but I don’t think I get my financial aid til after I start school in January. My fiancé has a part time job but money varies. One week he may only get $50 but the next week he may get $160. It’s not Enoch to pay first months rent and deposit and utility deposit to get a new place. And if there is help out there no one will tell you. You have to find it outon your own. Everyone here… All I can say is don’t give up…give it to God!!!
a
Posted on November 17th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I am married with 2 biological sons my husband and I have lost our jobs within a month of each other and have no income, I have applied for “Tanf” but haveonly recieved “snap” what is the difference?
Posted on January 5th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Hello, Jeanette!
TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is essentially a catch-all financial assistance to help a family until the breadwinner (or breadwinners) can find jobs again. SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is more for food stamps. In fact, for many (if not all) states, you can only access your SNAP benefits through an EBT card. The benefits available in SNAP cannot be used for anything other than to purchase food for your family.
Posted on January 14th, 2011 at 4:21 am
I need help me and my sister don’t have enuf money to pay the rent.
Posted on February 15th, 2011 at 4:02 am
I have been homeless for 4mos. Now not jus myself but mi child and im pregnant and it has been no hope for us I’m just at the point like Wut do I do ? The Govenor says he’s here to help us but I truely belive that he don’t care right along with the people that works for Him everybody keeps tellin me they can’t help me or they don’t know Wut I should do its truely been a journey for myself and mi kids I’m so stressed out and scared all the programs out here that say they can help people turns me down with a smile on their faces because they aren’t the ones homeless with their kids Wut should I do? I’m lost and still tryin to maintain things like its goin to be alright i have been on the plubic housein waiting list for 6years still no hope ?
Posted on March 14th, 2011 at 5:31 am
I just was put on oxygen last week and is looking for a apartment or house, I have little income and is unable to work, I have applied for disability and is still waiting on a decision. How can I get help?
Posted on March 17th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Add A Comment