CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
The demand for low-income housing in the Coastal Bend area is high. So high, that it could leave those in need of an affordable place to have to wait for quite a while.
Gary Allsup with the Corpus Christi Housing Authority said in some cases, a person seeking affordable housing could be left waiting seven to 10 years be placed.
He said it's as simple as supply and demand. There are not enough housing options in Corpus Christi, and there are too many people who need it.
“We, today have about 25,000 people on our waiting list for our Section 8 program," Allsup said. "So those are folks that have been in line for the program, some of them, for years and some of them brand new."
Applying for Section 8 housing can be competitive in Corpus Christi. With so many people on the waiting list, Allsup said the housing authority has tried to create a method where they're able to house those with the greatest need, rather than going by a first-come, first-serve basis.
“We actually rate the applicants based on their needs," he said. "For example, they might get points for being homeless. They might get points for being a senior. They might get points for being disabled. There is no perfect way to allocate, but it's our attempt recognize those folks with the greatest need."
Over at Mission 911, case manager Donna LaMontagne said that the waiting list process can be challenging as people's situations change.
"I just feel like people are struggling out there, especially those that are trying to work but don't make enough to get housing," LaMontagne said. "Then you got those that are on the list, but get jobs, then are off the list or the number of applicants is so many.”
Regardless of the struggles that those searching for affordable housing may be facing, Mission 911 helps whoever they can until they're able to find a place to settle and make ends meet.
“We try to work with them to find out what they want," she said. "You know, how can we help them to find housing that's affordable for them. Whether it be a recovery home, whether it be an affordable apartment or quadraplex, or a home that rents out rooms, we're trying to work alongside them."
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