LANCASTER, S.C. — Nonprofits in Lancaster say people are always calling, asking for emergency housing and support.
The problem is that there just aren't enough homes available, leaving families feeling priced out with nowhere to turn.
Mom of three, La'Queisha Brevard, told WCNC Charlotte that she's been struggling to make ends meet since losing her job following medical complications from a car crash and is now looking for public housing.
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"A lot of these jobs are wanting to pay you $15 an hour, which is not enough to even live off of and take care of your children,” Brevard said. "You know, the waiting list for public housing is four years. What am I to do between now and four years?”
WCNC Charlotte took her concerns to Lancaster Housing Authority leaders who said there are just not enough homes to meet the demand.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) allows low-income families to rent in the private market.
Right now, Lancaster Housing Authority Director Veronica Williams said it could take three to four years to get a voucher in Lancaster with more than 100 people on the waitlist.
"All goes back to there's not enough housing, landlords that want to utilize the voucher," Williams said. "There's high demand and low supply.”
As for public housing units, Williams said the waitlist is shorter, but there's low supply there too, with all of their homes full or already spoken for.
"My faith is keeping me strong," Brevard said. "I feel like God is just going to have to get me through this season.”
The State Housing Finance and Development Authority has been looking into this issue and found that 50% of those renting and 25% of those with a mortgage are housing cost-burdened.
It says down payment assistance and increasing access to affordable loan programs can help, as state and local housing advocates continue their efforts to attract landlords willing to provide affordable options.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.