Putting A Face On The Problem
Facing homelessness is a very personal problem. Many want to be able to maintain as much of a normal appearance as possible. I will respect their privacy as much as requested. I am so grateful they have trusted enough to tell their stories. Please email me at ImWithChristie@outlook.com, if you are willing to allow me to share your story too.
WGMD Candidates Debate
Link to the audio of the Debate held on WGMD
https://www.wgmd.com/sussex-county-council-district-1-candidates-debate-08-27-24/
Plenty of Houses that very few can afford.
Realtor.com tonight list 3,710 homes in Sussex County for sale. Median listing price $549.9K. Someone with a Western Sussex County median income could qualify for less than 300 of them.
Laurel Senior discusses living on limited income.
Laurel Senior discusses living on limited income.
Grandmother Raising Grandchild in Motel
E. is a 65 year old grandmother raising her elementary school aged grandson. They are living in a motel trying to survive on her social security check. She is terrified of losing her grandson if people knew they were living in a motel. She is his only sense of stability. E. has multiple health problems and does her best to make ends meet. The motel is expensive, but there is a 2-4 year waiting list for anything based on income. She is hoping to stay in the area she is right now. They are able to walk to stores, her grandson's daycare and school, and the non-profit where she volunteers. She likes to be around people and likes to help others. She has applied to 4 or 5 different apartments, even those out of the area. She says she would have to take any apartment even if it upends their entire lives. E. says an apartment will mail 1 letter for renewal of application. She worries it will get lost in the mail and she will miss her chance. I asked her if she had applied at some of the apartments with high crime rates. She told me she had but it was her last choice. "I would take it because the need is greater than the risk.