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Atlanta Woman Describes Struggles She Faces Going Through Housing Voucher System While Homeless – WSB-TV Channel 2

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ATLANTA — No one expects to be homeless, but for those who find themselves in that situation, finding a place to live can be a challenge.

“Some people just fight to get by, but one thing we’ve learned is that once you’re in it’s hard to get out,” Lily said.

We are withholding Lily’s identity because she fears that if people find out about her situation, she could lose opportunities. Lily was working in an American company, but after a series of health problems and a car accident, she found herself homeless.

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“As they say, all it takes is one paycheck to get there, and that’s what happened to me,” Lily said.

However, Lily is trying to get back on her feet. She works almost every week in a retail store and maintains her appearance with a wardrobe she keeps in a storage locker.

Every night she sleeps in a tent in a nearby parking lot.

“It’s a daily struggle,” Lily said. “Trying to get housing is a nightmare. I started a year ago and it’s been a struggle.”

Lily has already exhausted many temporary housing options available to homeless people. Last August, she said she began the process of getting a housing voucher.

What follows involves a network of ministries and agencies.

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According to Lily, she first went to Mercy Care. Her case manager referred Lily to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities because she has a mental disability.

The department has an office dedicated to helping people in this situation (you can check it out here ) and has its own state-funded housing voucher program. However, all of the state’s spots are currently in use. Fortunately, the department is also working with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. DCA works with HUD to provide housing vouchers to Georgians.

People like Lily, referred by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, are given priority status for housing vouchers through DCA. However, applicants must follow federal rules to be eligible.

Lily is still following the steps with the DCA because obtaining certain documents has proven difficult. It is still unclear if and when she will be able to benefit from a housing assistance program.

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“I get told it’s almost over, and then I turn around and it’s three months later,” Lily said. “That means another night here risking my life. I was assaulted. I woke up to a man waking up right next to me.”

And that’s the problem: despite efforts to maintain appearances and lead a normal life, a real home is necessary to try to move forward.

“It means safety and security,” Lily said. “I can do what I need to do, so I don’t need welfare for the rest of my life, because that’s not what I want.”

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