KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The journey to affordable housing for some is not an easy one, especially now during the pandemic.
What You Need To Know
- Low income seniors feel like there is no help for those looking for affordable housing during the pandemic
- Osceola County is offering rental and mortgage assistance
- 400 individuals and families are waiting for assistance
- Previous Story: Kissimmee woman wants landlord to do more about mold in apartment
Spectrum News 13 first introduced you to Valerie Thomas back in 2018, living in a mold-infested apartment in Kissimmee.
Fast forward to today, Thomas is living in a hotel and on the hunt for an affordable but safe place to live.
Thomas is a low income senior who feels like there is no room for help.
“I just want some place nice where I can live and thrive," she said. "I am handicap now and I have accepted where I am with my health until I get my healing. But I would like to have my own place.”
Thomas spends most of her day on the phone talking to apartments, government workers, non-profits... Seeking help.
— Stephanie Bechara (@BecharaReports) January 20, 2021
Osceola County has a Section 8 voucher waiting list, it currently has about 400 individuals and/or families pending. @MyNews13 #News13Osceola #AffordableHousing pic.twitter.com/HRNtNbUu7T
Spectrum News 13 reached out to Osceola County officials, who said they’re currently offering rental and mortgage assistance to residents in the midst of the pandemic. But none of that help is being offered to those living specifically in hotels or motels.
Osceola County has a Section 8 voucher waiting list, currently with about 400 individuals and/or families pending.
County COVID-19 financial assistance programs for residents and businesses can be found here.