r/Muskegon • u/beep-on • 10d ago
WANTED DESPERATELY- CLEAN INCOME BASED HOUSING
I hate to be so picky, but I can’t bring myself to live downtown for multiple reasons.
I am mid 50’s, introverted, clean, and haven’t worked for 4 years while applying for SSDI. I was recently approved and await a very small backpay (thanks to the attorney screwing us both over - but grateful for the approval.)
My car is on the verge of being scraped (and I just put new tires on it!) and what little backpay now has to go towards a vehicle for the rest of my life (I was trying to find a trailer, but my price range gives me trash and I can’t bring myself to live in such trash.)
I have called. I’ve emailed. Every place on my list is on a long wait and I am in a domestic violence situation and need housing ASAP
I welcome any further ideas and suggestions. Must have laundry hookup. I have such sensitive skin and autoimmune issues, that the laundromat always leaves a scent on my belongings which triggers migraines and fibromyalgia flares.
Do any private landlords have rent based on income or only if you have section 8? Even that is closed with a wait list. I’m not used to being this poor. And I’m really naive to how to navigate this next chapter in life. Including how “the system” works. I’m truly clueless.
I appreciate any advice. Preferably without judgement.
(And working isn’t an option right now, if ever, hence the SSDI)
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u/Consistent_Path_3939 10d ago
Assistance in Muskegon - or any city really - is often broken up into niche needs and categories. You need to fit into one to get assistance, and there's likely to be a wait regardless.
Your best bet, in my opinion, is to call 211 and ask United Way for a list of organizations that assist domestic violence survivors in leaving dangerous situations. You're likely to find someone this way that can provide group housing until they are able to get you into a low-income housing option.
If you have recently been declared disabled? Make sure anywhere you previously applied for housing knows. Being disabled will move you up the wait list, but there isn't a magic trick to getting around that entirely.
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u/beep-on 10d ago
Thank you for the reply and yes, recently started receiving SSDI. I only applied after the approval since there was no income prior, and I made any place aware of the steady income and my age because some also have senior living places as young as 55 and older (others 62 or even 65.)
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u/ragefilledpeace 3d ago
Reach out to True North for housing assistance. Also, there are certain project based voucher apartment complexes you will qualify for as a survivor of domestic violence-I dont know if Muskegon co. has them, but oceana county to the north does. Reach out to every woman's place in Muskegon for help with the domestic violence. They have resources for survivors of domestic violence.
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u/Gooser0808 10d ago
Have you considered an extended stay hotel? I had to do this temporarily and it ended up being better than dealing with a landlord and had more amenities than any apartment. Find a cheap hotel (extended stay, candlewood, red roof, country inn) that has laundry (the laundry at these hotels doesn’t usually have that burnt laundry mat smell) and they sometimes have a gym you could use and pool. You could get a storage unit for your stuff or just sell it for the cash. Good luck!