Most of the housing assistance programs used to keep seniors from becoming homeless are “sunsetting”. That is, these programs have had their funding cut and are no longer a resource for the elderly, disabled and people struggling with critical illness. I used to refer people to government resources and non-profits with access to national funding. Those agencies now refer people to me.
Here’s an example of the calls we are getting: A homeless senior with a monthly income of $800 had been calling all week looking for help with housing. She is staying with a friend and living in her car. Agencies are giving our number as a resource even though we have been very clear we are not funded at the level required to handle homeless transitions. That is an income problem and a serious one. It cannot be addressed with a week in a hotel.
We are looking into every HUD funded project that is still taking applications for the waiting lists. That’s not for an actual property, rather the list to wait to apply. The waiting list for the Section 8 housing vouchers is closed.
I told the lady who called I had nothing to offer her. I haven’t been able to sleep since I had that conversation. I will not be one of those agencies who dispense useless referrals contributing to the endless round robin of disappointing phone calls. Today we are tracking down every possible option and eliminating every program that has been “sunset”.
Our financial assistance program was created to help with short-term cash flow emergencies for people in our community. It was never intended to help with the problems of homelessness or the abject poverty of certain populations.
God has unlimited resources. I remind myself of this often. I know it is not my responsibility to solve the problems of everyone who calls. My job is to administer the emergency fund the LCM has to offer. I am trusting God to find a way for us to expand our capacity to help.
We are getting creative trying to find rooms for rent. What we need are safe, clean rooms for seniors who can only afford $300 to $500 per month. We need cash to pay deposits and partial rents for two to three months.
If you can help, I would be most grateful. As always, we need your prayers.
- Jackie