Poverty in Fresno carries hidden costs, By Sanford Nax, September 19, 2009, Fresno Bee: ” The apartments along Lowe Avenue in southeast Fresno sound like a good deal. For about $600 a month you can get two bedrooms, and bad credit won’t keep you out. But many costs aren’t in the lease: Some apartments are teeming with roaches and mold, creating a veritable stew pot for illness — and constant doctor bills. It’s in a dangerous neighborhood, so costly possessions — like stereos — have a way of disappearing. People live here because they are poor and can’t afford anything better. But compared to those with just a little more money, they must spend an enormous share of their household incomes on rent. The same is true across the central San Joaquin Valley and the nation: When it comes to housing, being poor is expensive…”
Tag: Section 8
Funding for Section 8 Housing Subsidies
Section 8 shortfall leaves thousands waiting, By Dan Gorenstein, August 23, 2009, National Public Radio: “Federal funding for Section 8, the nation’s largest rental assistance program, could dry up for some housing authorities before year’s end. The shortfall is forcing some low-income families to pay higher rents – and putting others in jeopardy of losing their vouchers altogether. As for the hundreds of thousands currently on multiyear waiting lists nationwide, the wait is now even longer. In New Hampshire, the Housing Finance Authority cut aid, forcing people to pay more in rent. Executive Director Dean Christon doesn’t like to squeeze people who make on average less than $15,000 a year, but he says that’s better than the alternative…”