Section 8 Program (Burke/West Springfield area) (Fairfax: apartment, renting, community college)

[Skapov]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

Fairfax County is no longer accepting Section 8 applications:

Redevelopment and Housing Authority - Fairfax County, Virginia

Also applicants must already live or be employed by the county, to prevent people from moving here with the intention of taking advantage of subsidized housing.

Thank you for providing this link!

I do not agree with taking government assistance for years and years, but my sister HAS worked hard at moving up in life and she went to community college to get training in Healthcare so that she could better improve her life. That said, in Michigan they are renting a nice sized apartment for about $450/mo., and I don't think she is prepared for the "sticker shock" of moving to the D.C. Metro area. I have no doubt that with perhaps working 2 jobs, or Overtime, she could provide for her family, but before I commit to helping her relocate I want to make sure we have a "backup plan".

I know, "the taxpayers" should not be the backup plan, but my husband & I pay a heck of a lot of taxes too. Anyway, now that I have the information that the program is closed, I will relay that to my sister so that she can make a final determination about if she really wants to come here. Michigan is just SO SO dead-end right now, she WANTS to work and would be happy to have Overtime or work 2 jobs, but she cannot find full-time work in her field (she currently works part-time retail) and has been looking for over a year!

[mommyof2!]

my mom used my address, and im on section 8...i have my recert next month. and my stomach is in knots just thinking about how i could be denied. how do the housing specialists go by looking to see if someone has used your address?

[Joke Insurance]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

Fairfax County is no longer accepting Section 8 applications:

Redevelopment and Housing Authority - Fairfax County, Virginia

Also applicants must already live or be employed by the county, to prevent people from moving here with the intention of taking advantage of subsidized housing.

That kinda sounds like discrimination to me, at least for the people who actually need it.

[liloulou]

Yes, I know someone who legitimately needs Section 8, but when I called I was told the program is closed and there is a backlog of people needing assistance. She told me the program won't open for at least 4-5 years, and that I should take in the person who needs assistance in to my home.
I would NOT have your sister move here....

[stpickrell]

OP's sister works in healthcare as a CNA or something like that -- she should be able to find a job most places -- I'd rather take $30k in a small city with rents of $500-$600 for an OK place than $40k here where rent is like twice that at least.

[dkf747]

I see that the link in my earlier post is dead. Here is a link to affordable apartments that may not require waiting. However, if the community is full then there mqay be waiting required. There are communites all over DC area, including NOVA. The link: Affordable Apartment Program | KETTLER - Apartments, Condos, Planned Communities, and Mixed-Use/Commercial Properties in the Greater Washington, DC-metro region (http://www.kettler.com/apartments/affordable_apartments_program/ - broken link)

I do not work with them, but I live in one of those apartments.

[marie5v]

The combination of section 8 and good schools is probably not easy to find, although it is possible. I know some people who have found it, although don't know their financial situations exactly. Also, if your sister's children are going to your house in another school district for childcare, then it might be possible for them to go to school with your child (it's called pupil placement) to make that easier. You are responsible for transportation, however. You might also look into some programs to help single moms get college degrees. I know there are some that pay for courses, because I've had the students in my class. Good luck.

[Yankeesfan]

Originally Posted by Joke Insurance

That kinda sounds like discrimination to me, at least for the people who actually need it.

There's only so much of other people's money to go around .

[Joke Insurance]

Originally Posted by Yankeesfan

There's only so much of other people's money to go around .

My post was a serious one. Just thought that I'd let you know that. Not everyone mooches off the system.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

OP's sister works in healthcare as a CNA or something like that -- she should be able to find a job most places -- I'd rather take $30k in a small city with rents of $500-$600 for an OK place than $40k here where rent is like twice that at least.

I think the discussion for the OP is OBE - the post is now over 2 years old.