2024 is already proving to be the YEAR of MORE.🤸🏾🎊👏🏾 I Am GRATEFUL for the blessings that are already manifesting in my life. My season of being an extended “house guest” has come to an end. Georgia and I, FINALLY moved into our own place again!

A few years ago, I was forced to move in with family members, because my disability benefits weren’t enough for me to continue to afford my rent, which had increased tremendously after the COVID Pandemic. . I lived on on the west side of town with family members for over a year, then I moved to the far east side of town (100 miles away) to live with other family members for another year. Individuals like myself, who live with others (including family members) temporarily without a permanent home are considered “hidden homeless,” as it is often goes unnoticed. Since the lack of access to housing resources and support cannot be identified, this homeless group is ‘hidden’ from the national statistics on homelessness. People who experience hidden homelessness, often turn to friends, family, and neighbors for a shelter or a place of refuge. The first sign of homelessness for them may be couch surfing or sleeping over with friends, which is considered to be less serious — and obvious — than sleeping on the street.

But the embarrassment from not having a place to call home still causes emotional and psychological trauma that is hard to deal with. I felt horrible and was embarrassed about my living situation. I battled with depression and struggled to keep the faith that I would have my own place to live with my limited income.For most people like myself, having a sanctuary, a shelter of peace and safety is a basic human need. Adequate housing was recognized as part of the right to an adequate standard of living in Article 25 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Article 11.1 of the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

With the commercialization of the housing industry the average American struggles to pay their mortgage or rent, so for someone with less income making potential, it would take a miracle to qualify for a home. People with disabilities make up 40% the homeless population. People with disabilities are also more likely to face discrimination in relation to housing or live in the most appalling conditions. Today’s housing industry has become a commodity that is a vehicle of of wealth for commercial owners and investors. Affordable housing is no longer treated as a basic human and social standard for all citizens.

As a social work major (BSW) and current Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior and Disability Rights Advocate, I knew my first step was to contact social services in my city and state to find what community resources are available. The second step was to apply for any programs , services and financial assistance I was eligible to receive.The waiting lists were literally YEARS SSS long but I added my name , prayed for patience and favor and waited… nearly 3 years before I was approved for a housing voucher.

The lyrics decree …. 🎶 “It’s a New Season, it’s a New Day! Fresh anointing flowing my way. It’s a Season of 💪🏾✨POWER and 💸✨ PROSPERITY. It’s a New Season coming to me. 🎶

I am so grateful to finally be able to move in to my own space, but there are still too many disabled people with limited incomes who, are still homeless. My purpose is to shed some of my light on this social problem. The best way to end homelessness is to provide permanent housing solutions for unhoused individuals. More awareness and advocacy work is needed for a nation-wide, coordinated approach to delivering services, housing, and programs for the homeless population in general. There are some existing programs, but they are limited because not enough funding is being dedicated to address the housing crisis. We need more advocacy, awareness and laws that help end predatory housing rental and mortgage loans practices. We also need more funding for programs and services to help more people who are disabled and with limited incomes find suitable housing sooner than the average 2+years wait period that exist now.We also need to petition our Local and State Government officials , to prioritize and protect disabled and homeless citizens’ right to adequate housing

Below, I share some of the housing resources I found in my community. Each city and state has agencies to help citizens find housing resources. Please check housing resource listings for your local community, city and state. Listed below are some resources listed in my state.

Housing Community Resources

PHX Housing Dept. Programs

• Find affordable rental housing in Phoenix for families, single persons, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
• Homeownership opportunities Learn about the Section 18 Homeownership Program, Section 32 Homeownership Program and the Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Program.
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program​ The City of Phoenix Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is currently closed.  ​To contact the Section 8 Office call 602-534-1974.​
• Senior Housing The Housing Department is dedicated to helping local seniors continue living an active and fulfilling life during their retirement years.
• Sign up for the Housing Department Listserv to receive notices from Housing on new or upcoming programs and waitlists that will be opening. Housing Department Listserv.

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General Assistance

• 2-1-1 Community Information and Referral Helpline – 2-1-1 Arizona operators help individuals and families find local resources and provide connections to critical services. https://211arizona.org/
• Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – https://des.az.gov/
• Community Legal Services (CLS) – helps low income Arizonans obtain safe, decent housing. The agency empowers future and current tenants and homeowners through education, legal representation, brief service, and community partnerships https://clsaz.org/legal-practice-areas/housing-law/
• FindHelp – Search and connect to support including food assistance, medical services, affordable housing and more. https://www.findhelp.org/
• Wildfire AZ – partners with community and faith based organizations to ensure individuals and families who need supportive services have access to them. https://wildfireaz.org/