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After reading many of the posts on here about the horrors of Section 8 - I am afraid to hear all your responses to my inquiry. Let me first explain my situation:
I am a 39 year old professional female living on my own (after my son, daughter-in-law, & 7 month old grandson moved out). I received a Section 8 voucher in May of this year (thank God) & moved to my current location.
Up until two nearly fatal car accidents in 2002, I was working as a Human Resources Professional at a local University & doing volunteer work in the areas of Education, Human Rights & Social Justice. In 2004 I was no longer able to work & had to have surgery. I have multiple disability issues that are currently preventing me from working. I receive Social Security Disability (which differs from SSI - because I have a long enough work history to have "earned" these payments, whereas those on SSI are on the disabled person's equivalent to "welfare").
It's been a challenge to go from the sort of salary & lifestyle I was accustomed to - to, well, this. I keep making strides forward but seem to also take a few backwards now & again. I require a lot of medical care... but still dream & believe that I will be back on my "feet" again.
Winter -time in Minnesota is difficult for me physically & emotionally. I've wanted to make that move westward for quite some time. I realize that the cost of living is far greater there than it is here. But, the many benefits I will receive from this move (health: emotional, physical, & spiritual) are really immeasurable. I believe that this move could be just what I need to begin making bigger steps towards independence & self-sufficiency again.
There is also a wonderful "church" that I love to attend right in the area as well (no, there are none in my area). I could continue with the benefits of moving including the lack of dreary winters & humidity (which have great adverse effects on me)... but, I suppose I'll leave it at that for now.
What I am looking for is something simple (I'll take more if it is offered - but still have to stay within Section 8 regulations). I will qualify either for a one or two bedroom home - depending upon whether or not I'll need a live in assistant at the time. I am leaning towards the one bedroom.
I believe the guidelines allow something around $1100 per month for a one bedroom (although I think it is slightly less & is also reduced by an estimate of utility costs).
The centre of my interest is Culver City & westward from there. I realize I won't be able to get beachfront property - but want to keep myself within a short drive or busride to the ocean. Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, etc. I've paid my dues in neighborhoods that are facing great challenges - I just don't want to do "that" anymore.
I need laundry facilities & off-street parking (because of disability issues, anything else would make life so much more complicated).
The other thing that I am greatly curious about is this whole thing in LA where the refrigerator is not included in the apartment & often neither are other things that we (here in Minneapolis) think of as a "given". What are those things? Would I assume that in the LA climate that air conditioners are provided? Do I need to be concerned about structural issues due to earthquakes? What are the housing issues that LA renters need to know about that may not necessarily be concerns here in Minneapolis?
So, my question is whether or not what I am trying to do is a realistic possibility & if any of you own properties or know others who do & would be willing to consider me for tenancy? I've posted elsewhere on this site about a variety of topics - you may not prefer my opinions, but you'll find that I am intelligent, articulate, & respectful. I'm having a "valley" moment in my life & am only asking for the opportunity to improve my life.
Please share ... be real - but be respectful, please!
think.r, there is Section 8 housing on my block and it's made up of garages and laundry rooms of an older house divided into studio (one-room) dwellings. It is close to your price range, and in the Valley part of L.A., which, isolated by our 24-hour traffic congestion, is far, far away from the beaches, and considered vaguely undesirable due to presence of violent gangs, and a majority of populace who do not speak English. You probably are not going to find a whole house within your guidelines, except in what could be terrible places.
My point is: why fixate on Los Angeles, one of the more expensive places to live in the U.S.? There are plenty of other warm climates here in the West, even in California, that could come closer to your desires without the extreme price tag. Is public transportation going to be important to you eventually? Here it's an anemic joke.
In our local Sect. 8 housing, they've stopped renting to single men, since they invariably are disruptively crazy, and tend to settle on single-mom types. There is NO accommodation of disabilties: the renters made their own ramps or relied on fellow tenants for wheelchair help, and, as usual, no appliance amenities other than wall heater, no AC even in our hotter area. It's only off-street parking, since the garages are now units. I have to add that you actually want on-site parking in L.A., despite your protest: most areas are too crowded with cars to ever continually find parking spots on the street.
From evidence of your resourcefulness and your dare I say, female status, I think you would be a fine candidate in this situation: it's just that you may not be being realistic about costs in L.A. Good luck in your overall search, which I think should broaden throughout the west.
I think you need to worry less about the section 8 thing and really think about how your disability will impact your life here. I am disabled myself at the moment, temporarily I hope...though I will never be 'all better'....but the fact is big cities are hard on anyone with a disability. I had a TON of job offers from NYC....people still call me in fact.....but there is no way I can do all those stairs to take the subway...and of course the elevators there are a joke (one caught on fire with reporters there).
Take the beach for instance...I knew from previous visits that many involve a cliff with stairs. And I have learned that sometimes what is considered handicap access is a cruel joke. Thank god for this board and Zuma beach :-)
What I am saying is that without careful research, you may just find yourself in a prettier prison.
The weather HAS been a blessing to me. The lack of humidity has reduced the swelling in my knee to the point where I can actually walk around my apartment....though slowly...with no crutches...I couldnt do this in PA....so it has boosted my spirits immensely!
But with that being said...I have someone with me....my fiance...that I trust and who is willing to do things for me. What if something happens? Not only do you need a living plan but you need a back up plan. And yes, I'll bet you'll have an interesting time with caregivers because of language. Let's face it...they don't pay well enough......so finding someone to trust with your care I am sure would be its own nightmare.
I have found that while people are generally friendly around here, they will not go out of there way to accomodate you. This is the land where physical imperfection is frowned upon, no matter what the form and regardless if you can walk. I had to 'go New York' on a bunch of college kids who apparently can't read the sign on the bus that says you must give up your seat for the disabled. It is that sort of rudeness that coming from the midwest you may be shocked to find.
You don't say what kind of church you want to go to....but if it is of the 'metaphysical bent' there are tons of those all over the southwest.
I would really think long and hard about this. The city is very expensive and I couldn't even imagine trying to get by on only a disability check. Another thing to consider is that if you put yourself into too nice an area, you won't be able to afford simple things like groceries, because while similiar to back east in price, the better stores in better areas are ridiculous in price...so if your budget is tight, that only leaves the ethnic and latin markets...and if you don't speak spanish you will have a tough time. And correct me if I am wrong but if you are on SSD disability you can't get foodstamps to help out.
And then there is the fact that being disabled, you become an instant mark for crime. There are no morals amongst the desperate here.
My opinion is you have alot more to worry about then Section 8. I do recommend a move to the southwest...but you may really want to think twice about LA.
I wouldnt recommend los angeles either. You may want to consider Arizona or Texas. Warm, flat, cheaper cost of living. Also, why move away from your kids and family?
With regards to section 8 housing, you will find that the available units are generally in less desirable areas. An apartment building in a desirable area will bring in tenants that are good pays and pay market rates with no hud inspections. When you have an apartment in a low income or problem area, the hud inspections and monthly check are more attractive than collecting monthly rent from tenants. Hud also screens tenants closely and has rules etc they have to follow or they lose their golden ticket.
Here is a link to section 8 housing: 1bdrms & 2bdrms: You may find something east of culver city. CC has no rent control, so it would be odd to find an apt owner opting for section 8.
unless it's down on Centinella S of Culver.
I just came on this board in Oct., so I hope It's not too late for my comment.
Firstly, I am also disabled. It seems that many of us Social Security Disabled types have multiple health problems. Although they do tend to blow people away, we don't have a choice besides accommodating them. I have an auto immune illness, inflammatory, which is systemic. It is very difficult to get good healthcare if you have a "rarer" form of, even arthritis.
I lived in Redlands and Mentone, CA from 1984-2006. They are adjacent to San Bernardino. I moved to MN (Rochester) in 2/06. I empathize with you and would be happy to correspond online personally. You can go to the settings option and send me a personal message (PM). I am a single female, age 45.
I left So CA due to the high cost of living and the fact that I couldn't reliably drive to LA for medical care. I needed to see private practice physicians for the most critical aspects of my medical care. San Bernardino is about 1.5 hours east (no traffic) of LA.
The people who responded to you make great comments. I found that I was a mark for crime in So CA. Mentone is unicorporated (not a city) and has a history of meth manufacture (before it was everywhere). It became a "wild west" type atmosphere, depending upon "protection" at times from younger male neighbors. I realized after settling into MN life that you couldn't really trust anyone from neighborhoods like that. No point going into details. I stayed in that area after I became disabled because LA is dangerous if you are unaware of how to get around, esp. if you appear vulnerable.
I considered selling almost everything and renting a room from someone in LA or Santa Monica but was concerned that my housing may come to depend upon a callous person - lots more of them in So Ca than MN. I decided instead to relocate here and it has been a challenge dealing with the humidity while trying to establish medical care.
I have to go to St. Paul and Minneapolis area for specialists. Maybe you have some good referrals???
Back to our mutual concern, I have found that there are strong geographic differences in how specialty medicine is practiced. After considering several areas (thanks to members in other forums) I find I must reconsider LA. I was hoping that Albuquerque or Las Vegas would be good locations but am beginning to think I must be in a major city. That only leaves LA, since I need lower humidities. All the major cities are expensive.
I am not on Section 8 so once again I have to open to the possibility of renting a room... But I decided if that is what I have to do, I will do it.
It is challenging to pick up and move to another area, esp. with tight finances, and disabilities to boot. I can't rough it in apts without a/c or laundry options either.
Even if you find a place in Culver City, getting around with all the traffic and the people who will take advantage of you will be exhausting. My family is in New England, and I haven't lived there since 1894. They are in NH but I would have to live closer to Boston, also expensive. Since I haven't lived around them in years, I figure why move to a damp city when I will only see them occasionally.
If you have family members who are supportive, leaving them is a major consideration. I don't know your situation.
Californians are no where near as considerate as Midwesterners. A neighbor of mine here commented upon how much better I look than when I moved here. Going without appropriate medical care in MN has been grueling physically but people are so much nicer, it has made a difference.
Whatever you decide, good luck to you. These are just considerations. If
decide you want to move to LA, it is possible. I don't know of specific cities to consider right in the area.
I happen to agree with manb y of the posters who have responded. First off i know that there are many good people who have setion 8. I in fact have family memebers with Setion 8 that i love dearly but I think it will be difficult to find housing in a desirable area of a large city that accepts section 8. I am from NYC and I know that section 8 is typically only honored in less than desirable areas. One may reason may be that buildings in highly desirable areas it's not worth it for them to be involved in a governement program. I know when I am looking for an apartment if a place says that they take section 8 I typically mark them off my list. The reason i do this is because the idea of section 8 has a lot of negative associations with it & I tend to equate a place that acceots section 8 as being an unsafe nieghborhood. If others think the way i do than a landlord who take section 8 is in danger of changing the fabric of his property. Most professional I believe would not want to rent from a place that accepts section 8.
I also agree with the postings that state that it could be dangerous for you to try to make a go of it in a large expensive city alone giving your current disabilities. The world can be cruel and you could be in danger of making yourself an unwilling mark. Have you thought of less expensive places that are also less dangerous on the west coast?
I wouldnt recommend los angeles either. You may want to consider Arizona or Texas. Warm, flat, cheaper cost of living. Also, why move away from your kids and family?
With regards to section 8 housing, you will find that the available units are generally in less desirable areas. An apartment building in a desirable area will bring in tenants that are good pays and pay market rates with no hud inspections. When you have an apartment in a low income or problem area, the hud inspections and monthly check are more attractive than collecting monthly rent from tenants. Hud also screens tenants closely and has rules etc they have to follow or they lose their golden ticket.
Here is a link to section 8 housing: 1bdrms & 2bdrms: You may find something east of culver city. CC has no rent control, so it would be odd to find an apt owner opting for section 8.
unless it's down on Centinella S of Culver.
There was nothing in Culver City, not even in its far western part, on that list. The closest of any of those places to Culver City was one building on Corning St. near Cadillac. I would not recommend Cadillac-Corning (or "La Cienega Heights" as it's been renamed - a rare case of renaming on the Westside), the violent crime rate is considerably higher than neighboring Eastern Culver City, Beverlywood, or the northern part of South Robertson (i.e. closer to Pico, when it starts becoming "Beverly Hills Adjacent"). The only decent areas represented on that list were Sherman Oaks and Silver Lake. (There was one place in North Hollywood that I wasn't sure about whether it was in the better part of NH or the bad part - the others in NH were all in the bad parts of NH, which can get REALLY bad)
I really appreciate the advice & input many of you have offered. But, I think my initial question has changed. Let me explain.
Although I am not certain that I WILL move in May of 2008, when I would like to, I KNOW that the Culver City area of Los Angeles is where I want to move. I realize that it may not seem wise or feasible to many, but I have greatly considered all aspects of this decision (as much as one can) & am willing to "take the risk" for the possible benefits of doing so.
While I do have great vulnerabilities with my health - I certainly do not appear to be a "victim" in any way. I am youthful 39 & if you aren't paying close attention, you'd never know I have any disabilities - especially as, when things are really bad, I tend to isolate myself inside because I don't enjoy being needy.
This is my dream & although dreams can change - I don't want this one to. So, my new question is whether or not any of you have any constructive advice about how to make the move happen. Certainly, many of you would not recommend me for your own neighborhoods, as you do not wish to have Section 8 near you. But, I already know many of the obstacles I would be facing. Now I want to know where the opportunities are.
Culver City & the areas adjacent to it are of primary interest. I don't want to live in any of the areas that most of you don't want to live in - if crime & safety are your reasoning. I anticipate this move being difficult, but a huge step towards my renewal & recovery.
I am asking for supportive assistance if anyone has it to offer. I've heard all the "why nots" - now I need help with the "I'm gonna do it one way or another". I have always been the "exception to the rule" - I plan on filling that role this time to. Having considered all the "negatives", I now choose to concentrate on the positives - any help to offer? I would GREATLY appreciate it.
Any practical advice would be great:
1. best ways to make a cross-country move - cheapest/most reliable
2. creative ways to encourage a landlord or management company to rent to me (as they do not have to unilaterally accept S8 - it can be a case by case basis)
3. names of any respectable LL's who would consider a responsible, long-term tenant who receives S8 (I have a top notch credit rating & a clean rental history too)
4. keeping in mind the areas I am considering - any advice as to the "yes" & "no" areas within that vacinity
5. additional costs or considerations that I may not be thinking of
6. any other constructive advice to aide in the move - not discourage it (as I am past that point)
Again, thank you to everyone - I realize you all likely have my best interest at heart, I am not making this decision lightly & will keep all your advice in mind.
Localinsight: I will send you a DM (direct message) & we can "chat"
There was nothing in Culver City, not even in its far western part, on that list. The closest of any of those places to Culver City was one building on Corning St. near Cadillac. I would not recommend Cadillac-Corning (or "La Cienega Heights" as it's been renamed - a rare case of renaming on the Westside), the violent crime rate is considerably higher than neighboring Eastern Culver City, Beverlywood, or the northern part of South Robertson (i.e. closer to Pico, when it starts becoming "Beverly Hills Adjacent). The only decent areas represented on that list were Sherman Oaks and Silver Lake. (There was one place in North Hollywood that I wasn't sure about whether it was in the better part of NH or the bad part - the others in NH were all in the bad parts of NH, which can get REALLY bad)
I quickly discovered, here in Mpls, that the Section 8 lists of housing available is really more of a "this is where NOT to move" list, rather than anything to seriously consider for myself. I have looked over the lists for LA & found that it was likely the same case there.
I am planning a visit in late Dec / early Jan - just for a "look/see". Sometimes the things I dare to dream of make life more complicated for me, I certainly have attempted to reconsider this decision. But, sometimes, despite what everyone else has to say, we must chase those dreams deep inside us.
While logic may dictate otherwise, I KNOW that if someone gives me just a window of opportunity, I can show them that I am a chance worth taking. It has simply always been the case in my life & others have, at times, shaken their heads in disbelief at the opportunities I have created for myself by never giving up & believing in myself.
I need this, more than anyone can imagine or comprehend, I really need this.
Last edited by think.reciprocity; 10-09-2007 at 04:23 PM..
Reason: Despise typos!
I quickly discovered, here in Mpls, that the Section 8 lists of housing available is really more of a "this is where NOT to move" list, rather than anything to seriously consider for myself. I have looked over the lists for LA & found that it was likely the same case there.
I am planning a visit in late Dec / early Jan - just for a "look/see". Sometimes the things I dare to dream of make life more complicated for me, I certainly have attempted to reconsider this decision. But, sometimes, despite what everyone else has to say, we must chase those dreams deep inside us.
While logic may dictate otherwise, I KNOW that if someone gives me just a window of opportunity, I can show them that I am a chance worth taking. It has simply always been the case in my life & others have, at times, shaken their heads in disbelief at the opportunities I have created for myself by never giving up & believing in myself.
I need this, more than anyone can imagine or comprehend, I really need this.
Other than the schools issue, there's nothing wrong with Sherman Oaks or Silver Lake. However if you were to move to an area bordering on Culver City you would also be in an LAUSD area. In fact, some of the nicest and/or most expensive areas in LA county unfortunately are within LAUSD territory.
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Not sure where else to look around Culver City
I wish you the best of luck
I Think My Question(s) Has Changed...
