Transitional housing… what does it mean? Temporary accommodations due to displacement, couch surfing, camping, weekly motels, shelters, living in a car, and many more examples are forms of transitional housing. The displacement of an individual or family is caused by just as many factors: abuse, loss of income, death of a spouse, fire, and choice. Sometimes, there are warning signs preceding the move to transitional housing (ongoing domestic violence or a recession); but often the signs are not immediately present (wildland fire or runaway).
Safe shelter is a basic need that humans often fail to acknowledge. This can lead to poor financial planning and an acceptance of the status quo. Not everyone was raised in a household where foresight involving a tomorrow was discussed, so social service networks exist to help people when they are struggling to find housing. Federal housing programs like Section 8 (HUD) often have long waiting lists with inferior options for residences, but non-profit agencies have responded with affordable housing developments encouraged by local governments. After meeting requirements such as age or income, tenants can move into their new apartments within days or weeks.
Living within our means by paying 30% or less of our monthly income for safe housing is a lesson that I learned this week in LA. I have always paid a disproportionate amount of my take-home pay to housing –as a renter and a homeowner. The reason had less to do with a luxury apartment and more to do with the inability to calculate the actual amount I needed to spend each month on housing. While I am more fiscally aware today, I will still look for the safest home.