[Nfbc-info] problem solving; housing issues

[Lisa Irving]

Hello, 

 

I hope my topic is appropriate for this listserve. I am writing because I'm
requesting problem solving support. 

 

I am experiencing a number of housing concerns.  one hand I am incredibly
thankful that I have a roof over my head. I'm also thankful for what is
considered low rent. No, I don't live in government housing. On the other
hand, for six years I have dealt with mice and roaches; the building is
infested. It's an on-going battle to maintain a habitable place to live. I'm
thankful that I have a few friends who check out my place and are willing to
lay down boric acid and mouse traps. They also are willing to tell me if
I've missed food crumbs or whatever. 

 

I have gone to the city codes compliance. They eventually sent the building
owners a letter that recommended pest control lay traps; the same thing
management and my friends have done. I contacted my council person and got
no response. I talked to the former interim mayor. He told me to talk to my
council person. He also said no money would be allocated for the mid-city
area where I live to deal with infestations in many of the old buildings in
this area. I spoke to a housing specialist. She gave me the same advice;
things I already did. 

 

I've done one other thing. More than two years ago I put my name on an
affordable housing list. Last week I was turned down because my income is
too low! Currently, I am spending 52% of my monthly income on rent. Also, I
have considered the idea of sharing a place. My concerns includes, I'm
really in a pickle if the other person bails. Also, I can't afford rent and
storage. There's one other thing I have tried to do. That is, I have quite a
few housing resources. One of the resources is from the Housing Commission.
I was told to go to the local independence center to obtain an accessible
housing list. Their housing list is untagged. Their technology specialist is
learning   adaptive technology on the fly. Many housing programs will not
provide digitally formatted applications. 

 

I am burned out and I don't know what to do. Please share any logical
advice. 

 

 

P. S., I am working with an employment specialist. 

With gratitude,

 

Lisa Irving