When Thomas was living in a homeless shelter in Tacoma, he saved up to get an apartment. He had first and last months' rent, a deposit, and enough money for three tenant screening fees each month. An error on his screening report got him rejected by landlords time after time, though, and he spent hundreds of dollars on tenant screening reports. Thomas was stuck in the shelter months longer than he needed to be. A proposed law making its way through the legislature solves this problem by creating portable screening reports -- find out what you can do to support this solution!
Real Stories
Policy Matters: Repeated Tenant Screening Fees Are Devastating for Low-Income Families
During a single housing search, the average prospective tenant spends more than $166 in screening fees. This can be a real challenge for low-income families. Guest blogger Emma Lee, a Family Advocate for YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish, shares a story about a client whose small monthly budget was devastated by these fees, and explains why she supports the Fair Tenant Screening Act. This common-sense legislation would create a portable, standardized report that a renter could share with multiple potential landlords, eliminating the burden of paying over and over for screenings.
From Soldier to Civilian: “Everything Changed” When Homeless Veteran Found A Stable Home
As Veterans Day nears and we celebrate our nation’s heroes, it’s important to also recognize that many veterans face challenges, including homelessness, as they re-enter civilian life. Veterans are more likely than their civilian counterparts to experience homelessness, and women veterans are particularly vulnerable. Fortunately, many people are working to make sure our veterans have safe homes. The Low Income Housing Institute’s Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager Ania Beszterda Alyson shares a story of a veteran and single mom who has experienced homelessness three times, but is now on a path to a better future after finding a stable home.
Domestic Violence: Sue’s Story
Sue's former partner seemed like a nice guy at first. When they moved in together, though, the difference was night and day. He beat her so badly that she frequented the emergency room. He completely controlled her finances, and isolated her from her friends and family so she was trapped. On this last day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, hear Sue's story, and find out what you can do to help end the cycle of abuse.
Domestic Violence: Naomi’s Story
Domestic violence isn't just physical abuse -- it can also be emotional and economic abuse. In Naomi's case, her former partner manipulated her finances and stole money from her. He isolated her from her friends and family and threatened to kill her. Though Naomi wanted to leave him, she feared retaliation. She also needed him around to help pay the bills.
When Naomi did break away from her abuser, she couldn't afford rent. She and her two children spent a year and a half sleeping in shelters and on friends' and family members' floors and couches. Sadly, Naomi's story is all too common; domestic violence is one of the leading causes of family homelessness.