Hope when you can’t afford an apartment

As co-founder of A Home For Everyone in DeKalb, Shelly Fine has spent years fighting for affordable housing.  Through this work, she’s seen many people who, even though they have a small income, still cannot afford an apartment. So she started a program, focusing on ahelping people with limited income get into rooming houses.

“Many of the folks that we see are getting ssi (Supplemental Security Income) of about $1000 a month and they would never be able to afford an apartment but they can afford a room,” she says.

A year ago, AHFEID signed an agreement with Threshold Ministry, giving Shelly an official start to this program. She’s been cultivating a list of reliable, affordable rooming houses that she can refer people to. 

What exactly is a rooming house? 

“It’s a house or apt where people can rent a bedroom and share a living room, kitchen and bathroom. I'm still aware of about 4 houses where people will rent a private room for $650/month. They know me now so they will take my referral" she says.  

The list of rooming houses are available on AHFEID’s website https://www.ahomeforeveryoneindekalb.org/get-help

Even with the list in hand, Shelly says that many of her clients are chronically homeless, and struggle to do the work of going through the list and contacting the landlords. 

“We can make the contact for them, give them the address and explain how to get there. We do the research to see which ones are available and which ones are good and clean. It’s a good collaboration between AHFEID and Threshold because someone can make an appointment with me (by emailing or texting Threshold’s appointment line (470) 733-1747  or thresh.min.info@dpchurch.org.)  I usually see people on Thursday mornings (between 9:30 -11:30am) and if someone needs deposit assistance, which is rare, I know I can call upon AHFEID’s deposit assistance program.”

This program offers an alternative to people living at extended stay motels.

“The cheapest motel that I know of is $225/week and by the end of the month, they’ve used all their money and have none for food or transportation.”

Another population that particularly struggles with rising housing costs is seniors over 62. “They can apply for income based senior housing  but there's always a waiting list of a year or two.” A rooming house can be a good affordable option in the meantime.

It’s not just about the money either. Apartments most often require credit checks and background checks. That can be a significant barrier for someone who has been unhoused. 

“The ones that we work with don't require a credit check or background check but they do require a work stub or social security award letter. That doesn't mean some don't require those things.”

Michael was homeless and is currently living in a rooming house in Stone Mountain.

The one he is staying at calls itself an "Independent Living home” and offers some helpful supportive services. 

“I share a bedroom and there are five other guys in the house but it feels very relaxed. The landlord, Mary, brings food, you get a starter kit when you first move in but she’s a stickler for rules. The place has to be clean. She’s tough but fair.”  

He receives a monthly SSI check and is waiting to be approved for disability benefits. He is extremely grateful that he found this place. Before he would rent a hotel room for a week, would sleep on the street or sometimes stay in a shelter. At one point he was arrested for urban camping for sleeping on a bench.  “I finally just had enough,” he says. 

A rooming house situation won’t work for everyone.  

“I have to flesh out if they are truly ready to go into a shared living situation,” Shelly says. “Money is going to be tight for them so they have to be willing to live on only $300. I ask them if they are on food stamps and if they are not tell them to apply for it.”

Most of the rooming houses are for single people only but Shelly says that there are a few that are willing to accept a couple or a woman and child. 

She has helped about 24 people so far although there are some who leave because they spend all their money on other things. “The car is an issue and they want to fix their car or they decide they do not like the roommates”