THERE CAN BE NO JOB RECOVERY WITHOUT HOUSING

It is hard to do the right thing, especially when the right thing may very well entail  biting the hand that feeds you.  There comes a time in everyone’s life when the welfare of others has to prevail before our own wants and desires. As a society it is our duty to preserve human life, protect certain rights of the individual and take responsibility for the short-comings of  Government, Churches,  Banks, Auto-makers and others considered to big to fail. When they outsourced jobs that were once filled by those on fixed incomes, and allowed other businesses to practice unfair employment policies you get this mess we find ourselves .

Many of the people who utilize these programs have no other choice but to apply for and accept this help.  Through no fault of their own, generating an income is an activity that is closely regulated and seems to penalize tenants for making any where from $20 to $200 more a month.  How then can they improve their situations when every step they take is counted and collected?  How can we have an economic recovery without Housing?  How can we apply for jobs if we have no homes to list on job applications?

I  recently spent over three months trying to activate a software program on my computer, it took this long to speak to two people who took their time and spoke English clearly and at a speed that was acceptable to my feeble brain.  I could have given in and called someone who was more level headed and knowledgeable about these things,  but that would cost me money I don’t have to spend.  The right thing to do was to learn what the problem was, what if anything could be done to solve the problem and to make sure that I actually have the time and physical capability to dig the tower out and listen to a dialect of English that I have difficulty at best in understanding what I am being told to do?

Instead tonight, I decided to work on another uphill battle.  One I can not throw money at.  One that people in my position have never been approached before in finding the solution.  Yes, I am talking about Subsidized housing.  In actuality, I am talking about being a tenant of a residential rental unit of any kind.  I have rented my entire life of living out from under my parents roof.  I have been a night mare tenant in my past, and have come to be a responsible, trustworthy tenant today.  Unfortunately the conditions the financially challenged find for acceptable living quarters has not, if anything is has gotten worse.

The physical condition of the buildings that those who are of the working poor and underfinanced groups has not aged gracefully.  Neglect, depression, and a sense of desperation has fallen upon complexes that were once Harold to be the prime rental selection.  In my youth, I saw this as a sign that the owner of the property did not care what happened, just as long as the rent was paid, in full, and on time.  Even when all the conditions were met: proper notice, rent paid in full and on time, deposit put up front as required, walls washed, professionally cleaned carpets, no damage of any kind,  kiss that deposit good by.  If you move on a voucher, get yourself a storage unit as you will be homeless between the time it takes for the contract to expire on one place and kick in at the other.  You will need to make your deposit on the new place and find somewhere to stay until this all passes over.

I now get to share these experiences with tenants, lawyers, and advocates all over  the nation as well as with HUD officials such as Secretary Shaun Donavon, Deputy Assistant Secretary Caroll Galanta and Senior Advisor Barbra Sard (check title).  I am happy to share my experiences and my opinion on how I think things should be done. I do believe that my experiences are a little one sided and perhaps jaded.  I would welcome a fresh perspective on these phone calls with the Resident Engagement Group.  It really isn’t all that confusing and if you take the time to read the materials posted here, and follow the links, post questions and apply your personal experiences with a seasoned opinion you can be a part of history and change the way tenants live all across the country.