OK we all know housing is expensive in the SF Bay Area. If you're new here, you're likely in sticker shock. Just keep breathing deep. If you're a long time resident who's hit hard times, you may feel hopeless - The bad news is it is still tough - but the good news, is there are indeed options that do not include a cardboard bed on the sidewalk.
First, let's go over some basics.
1. If you know you're going to need to find a cheaper place - do something about it the minute you figure that out. There are formal and informal options but they tend to go fast or require additional time and documentation. - I'll go over some in the next post.
2. In general, it's a good idea not to do it alone. It's tempting to not let anyone know you're in this situation - but when you do that, you are cutting yourself off from many community services and resources ---- caseworkers who can qualify you for lower cost housing, apartment managers who can let you know when a unit comes up, programs who can qualify you for housing that comes up, assistance with emergency vouchers or hotel nights, grants for rent and utilities.
3. Caseworkers are your friends - but you may need more than one. Different offices and agencies do different things. What you CAN do is start with one that is logical for you - then ask for where else you should go. Be polite, be professional - you're likely to get a lot of help.
4. Qualifications differ for housing programs. Income is the most common but there is also often income plus something else. Always look on the listing to see if it is perhaps something like disabled, families with children, people over 55, 60 or 62.
5. Your credit is likely shot. This doesn't necessarily matter esp if you are going through an agency - they can either sign for you or put you in a program that transitions you or saves you from homelessness.
6. Know that you have options and be open to being creative. Chances are good that something's going to have to change whether for a short time or a long time. You'll likely use one option long enough to get to the next - The short term compromises don't mean you have to do it for the rest of your life.
Like all falls, it takes awhile to get back on your feet. Even more to get back to secure and normal. Know that - and you'll likely come up with a whole lot more options.
No comments:
Post a Comment