Living in DC area with a very low salary (townhouse, college)

[whitny]

Agree w/many posts above--My advice, come here ONLY if you really want to be here. Housing costs are outrageous here (and you are smart to research this fact) Yes, do the roommate thing. Does your internship have a human resource office that can help you connect w/other interns? That would be ideal: all of you get together and find a safe, comfortable place. Check out DC Craigslist for part time, evening and/or weekend jobs. There are TONS of restaurants, and openings for waitstaff and hosts. Good luck!

[The Heartbreak Kid]

from my email:

[SIZE=2]Hello everyone,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]If you have interns here in DC this fall that need housing, Heritage's Johnson Building still has slots available. Please contact Suzi Marchena at internhousing@heritage.org as soon as possible, and she'll be able to fill you in on details. She can also be reached at: 202-608-1605. Hopefully we can help put a roof over your interns' heads![/SIZE]

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by Tish Thompson

It's absolutely ridiculous that you pay so much for your education and then can't even get a job that will pay you enough to survive! You probably need to try to get section 8, contrary to what most people, who are not professionals and know nothing about section 8 except what they've heard from others, are saying on here.

Section 8 does not mean you have to live in an unsafe, crappy area. It means that you don't make enough money to afford your full rent, so the Federal government has set aside money for states to use to help keep people from being homeless. You are allowed to live WHERE EVER you choose based on your voucher allowance and income. Because you only have yourself to support, you won't get as much as someone who has dependents. The ONLY reason a section 8 tenant can be denied housing is if they don't meet credit qualifications. It is a fair housing violation to refuse housing to someone on section 8...a lot of landlords and real estate agents can get themselves in trouble not knowing the law. Unfortunately, section 8 tenants don't know the law either, so a lot of people get away with denying housing to these tenants. If that's not an option, you probably need to try to find a roommate. I can't think of one place that you can afford on your own with the salary you'll be earning. Good luck!

Why should the rest of us pay for her housing because she chose a college major that doesn't pay well and took a job that doesn't pay well? Why do you and I have to subsidize those choices?

[The Heartbreak Kid]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Why should the rest of us pay for her housing because she chose a college major that doesn't pay well and took a job that doesn't pay well? Why do you and I have to subsidize those choices?

She is an Intern, it is far better to help her make it through her internship and find a better job so that she can be a functioning member of society and pay taxes for 30 plus years than for her to be 30 year strain on the system.

[cheshired]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Why should the rest of us pay for her housing because she chose a college major that doesn't pay well and took a job that doesn't pay well? Why do you and I have to subsidize those choices?

I didn't ask you to pay for anything. I can provide for myself, my income is limited so I am researching for housing options. And I ruled out section 8. Don't worry, I won't take your money. So spend on whatever useless junk you want to make you feel less resentful and bitter.

[HurricaneDC]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Why should the rest of us pay for her housing because she chose a college major that doesn't pay well and took a job that doesn't pay well? Why do you and I have to subsidize those choices?

chances are she went through the school system you subsidized that told her if she got a college degree she'd never have to worry about getting a job

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by Denton56

Why should the rest of us pay for her housing because she chose a college major that doesn't pay well and took a job that doesn't pay well? Why do you and I have to subsidize those choices?

Does someone need a hug?

[aggie86]

Originally Posted by cheshired

Well my job is located on the orange line, I believe it is near Falls Church. Does anyone know of 500-600 per month housing there? I don't mind sharing a room, but a good neighborhood is important.

If you're working out in Falls Church, I'd recommend living out there or further west. It's much cheaper. No use in living in the city.

[Carrot2000]

Originally Posted by aggie86

If you're working out in Falls Church, I'd recommend living out there or further west. It's much cheaper. No use in living in the city.

Agreed. You'll probably find something affordable in Falls Church; I've seen a few folks on Craigslist looking for roommates in that area. Good luck with your search!

[Yac]

Originally Posted by RestonRunner86

Does someone need a hug?

I think quite a few people here need a hug Or a little break from the forum to cool down a bit, it's become too personal lately.
To put it another way: everybody please calm down. Thank you.
Yac.