In The News - 7/3/2024
KXLY
Housing assistance program reopens applications after eight years
Finding affordable and stable housing in Spokane has become a challenge.
Spokane Housing Authority is reopening applications for its housing voucher program on July 30.
This will be the first time the program applications have been opened since 2016. It took eight years for the program to work through that long list of qualified applicants.
In order to qualify, a family of three can make up to $44,050 annually.
For the nearly 6,000 families already in the housing voucher program, the Spokane Housing Authority works with landlords throughout Spokane to cover up to 70% of a tenant's rent.
If an apartment costs $1,000 per month, the renter is only responsible for $300-$400 out of their own pocket. When more people that apply during the open application window, it helps better gauge the need for this program in the Spokane community.
"It certainly helps us understand what the need is, is in the community and helps us communicate that to to our funders and certainly to other partners that that play a role in in other parts of the housing system," said Kelly Keenan, the housing assistance program director.
Luckily, applying for assistance is straightforward.
You can create an account on the Spokane Housing Authority's website and submit an application when the window opens. The application requires an email address, social security number and the name and ages of all the people living in the home.
The application closes August 5 at 5 p.m. PST.
Check the list of qualifications here.
Application can be found here.
RangeMedia
The Young RANGE: Washington’s housing prices are on the rise.
So are rates of adult financial dependence, and feelings of shame about financial need and housing market navigation.
I come from a household with over 11 people currently living in it. Seven of those people are adults, the rest are children.
Despite common misconceptions, my adult siblings are not freeloaders just because they’re still choosing to live with our parents. They make an effort to contribute to bills, and many obstacles are preventing them from moving into their own spaces.
My older sister has a condition called hyperthyroidism, this can cause intense symptoms anywhere and anytime without warning. Shortly after giving her a diagnosis, her primary care doctor retired, which left her struggling to navigate the complexities of medicating her condition. As a result, her symptoms come and go, and often cut short the amount of hours she works.
My family is not alone in this. According to yr.media, newer generations have been shown to rely more on their parents than previous generations due to many financial factors including soaring student debt and housing costs. A recent study conducted by Intuit aligned with that data, showing that “approximately 31% of Gen Z adults, born between 1996 and 2012, are residing with their parents due to financial constraints preventing them from purchasing or renting their accommodation.” The lack of financial independence isn’t limited to Gen Z-ers — nearly 50% of millennials are financially dependent on their parents as well.