In this chaotic environment with COVID-19 on a rampage throughout US cities and destroying American business, you could be one of two things, jobless and penniless, but that doesn’t mean that you are going to be homeless and hopeless. Why? Because there is an initiative that is working to give temporary housing to all of those who need it, including those who don’t have a job, trying to escape domestic abuse, and those who are facing eviction. Whether you’re in New York or LA, the Temporary Transitional Housing program is here to help.
Temporary Transitional Housing and It’s Requirements
Temporary transitional housing provides those in need with temporary housing until they are able to find a permanent home. There is a wide variety of different organizations, which are either government-affiliated or independent non-profit, that offer shelter and other assistance initiatives. As these programs only provide temporary accommodations strictly to those who are eligible, different programs have different requirements and hence it is an issue you need to discuss with your local homeless shelter or temporary housing provider.
Every temporary housing facility has a very distinct set of requirements which vary from locality to locality. It is for this reason that when you decide to research temporary housing opportunities, you take note of the variable differences when comparing the policies of each temporary housing facility.
How Has Coronavirus Affected Temporary Transitional Housing?
Unfortunately, homelessness is still a prominent issue that faces Americans even during the pandemic. However, many individuals are opting to continue to be homeless because sleeping outdoors can reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19. However, sleeping outdoors still leaves individuals dealing with the elements of the environment, a lack of access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, or a lack of healthcare service connections. That is why it is important for shelters to be aware of how they can continue to provide temporary transitional housing in a safe way during this unprecedented time.
Since many shelters are beginning to have more individuals come in that need assistance. That is also why it is important that shelters make plans to account for the individuals already dealing with homelessness as well as those now needing assistance in the wake of the pandemic. Luckily, many shelters are accounting for these individuals through exercising more regulations like creating services and places to stay for individuals that have tested positive for coronavirus.
Examples implementations that shelters are following are overflow sites that provide accommodation to higher shelter demands due to increased volume of homeless individuals, specified areas for individuals who have not tested positive for coronavirus but are awaiting test results, awaiting testing, or who were exposed to someone with COVID-19, and protective housing alternatives for people have an increased risk of catching coronavirus like the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions. These measures put into place by shelters help keep temporary transitional housing a safe program option to those needing assistance.
You can also contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to discuss what other implementations housing shelters are taking in your area to ensure the safety of individuals that need assistance during this time. Your PHA will be able to answer any and all questions that you have and help you navigate your affordable housing journey during this time.
Another helpful tip is to make sure that you are following the CDC guidelines when it comes to reducing the spread of coronavirus. You will want to make sure to keep as much distance as you can from others around you, wear a mask, and wash your hands often. This can also help you safely enjoy your temporary transitional housing on top of the safety measures that shelters are taking.
Alternatives
Alternatives do exist for those who are in a bind and need to find a house soon. You can get assistance in a number of different ways such as seeking public housing or subsidized private properties. To get access to these, you will check the latest lists and refer back to the US department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) website for more information. Voucher programs are also very useful and have helped many find affordable housing and Section 8 Assistance is one of the more well-known voucher programs. If the applicant is accepted to receive Section 8 Assistance vouchers, the voucher would cover costs over 30% of the total, such that beneficiaries only pay 30% and the voucher would pay for 70%.
Overall
It may feel like a daunting task when trying to find temporary transitional housing for your current situation but with the proper due diligence, you will be able to secure the assistance that you need. It is important to remember that you can always ask your local PHA any questions that you may have when it comes to getting the assistance that is right for you and your current situation.
