Homelessness is a complex issue. Homelessness happens to different people, for different reasons. This reality can make it a difficult subject for the news media to cover. So it’s always encouraging to see a thorough investigation of the causes of homelessness as well as communities’ efforts to end it.
Fairfax County, Virginia has seen some success with its plan to end homelessness. But with the two-bedroom housing wage at a staggering $17.84 an hour, it is clear that housing affordable to the lowest income people is part of the problem- and must be part of the solution.
Foreclosure, poverty, and eroding work opportunities are major causes of homelessness as well. This article from Fairfax County quotes NLIHC’s estimate that “40 percent of families facing eviction due to foreclosure are renters and 7 million households living on very low incomes are at risk of foreclosure.”
As we discussed here last week, housing discrimination is a real threat to some individuals and families, and can put low income people at risk of homelessness. This report puts discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders into perspective.
What news reports are catching your eye today?
On the Home Front 
I have been searching for the section 8 program and have been told by numerous Housing Authorities at all the counties surrounding me that it has been closed for years, no waiting lists, ect. but I know that there is alot of grant money available for section 8 but cannot find out who or where to contact, currently I and my minor son are homeless in Orange County, FL but nobody is willing to help us except a shelter located in gettoville Orlando which is the most violent dangerous area that I have ever been in. This is outrageous, and I feel that I have been extremely discriminated against because I am a Caucasian single mom. What can my son and myself do or where can we obtain the info on getting section 8?
Amy, thank you for reading and for your comment. You and your son are in a difficult situation. As you have discovered, there is not enough Section 8 or other public housing for everyone who needs it. In fact, only 1 in 4 people who qualify for housing assistance receive that assistance. There is also a shortage of shelter and permanent housing provided by nonprofits and community organizations.
We recommend that you contact your Member of Congress and ask to speak with the person who handles constituent needs. Explain your situation to that person and ask them for referrals that can help. As a constituent, it is your right to ask for and receive assistance from the staff of the people elected to represent you.
To find your Members of Congress, you can enter the zip code where you’re staying now into the form on our website, here: http://capwiz.com/nlihc/dbq/officials/
Good luck with your search for housing.