Why You Shouldn’t Believe the Negative Stigma about Housing Authorities

Housing authorities tend to have a bad name, but are the rumors credible? All across the nation CEO’s are running great programs for residents, but that’s not what is being talked about. It’s usually the negative things that hits the headlines.

If you’re not familiar with housing authority, you’re probably wondering, “well what people saying?” Most people think that people who live in housing authority are just poor people who don’t want to work, who live off of our tax dollars, and who are known to constantly commit crimes. Our goal at Housing High is to debunk that narrative. There are really great people and things happening within the housing spectrum, and hopefully after you read this blog, you can help us change the narrative across the nation.

Although it is true that most people who live in public housing are in low-income families, you don’t have to be out of work or barely making it to live in public housing. The rent amount a tenant pays is income-based meaning it is determined by their total income. So there are plenty people living in

public housing that make decent money, and are paying close to market rate. The benefits for them are that they get a small break on the amount of rent, and their bills are all inclusive. Although not everyone is making a good living, those that are not are often provided help to get to where they want to be. But

changing your life for the better is a process and does not happen overnight.

Another thing people usually don’t know is that a lot of housing authorities provide many services and programs for their residents to help them get back on their feet through self-sufficiency programs. Here are some examples of things residents can achieve for little to no cost when living in

public housing:

• Classes to help them obtain a GED

• Help getting into college

• Driving classes to help get their driver’s license

• Free certification trainings

• Help with starting a business

• Rides to the doctor

• Food box deliveries

• Free educational classes on various topics such as finances

• Free community events and entertainment for themselves and their children

• Escrow savings

• Homeownership
  

Many people who live in public housing only live there for a season. They use the self-sufficiency programs and all the resources their housing authority provides along with the ability to be able to save due to not having as high of a rent bill to get on their feet and put their families in a better situation.

Also, keep in mind there are many people who literally cannot get housing elsewhere due to total income, not being able to afford the deposit (which is usually two times the rent), no rental history, past criminal record, past rental history, no family or friends to share the responsibilities of the home with, etc.

So next time someone tries to defame the name of your local housing authority, make sure you speak up and educate them on all the great things happening for the people in need in your community!