Affordable housing focus of October, Housing America Month

The Housing Authority of the City of Pocatello said since August, it has been helping a new family almost every other day to find affordable housing.

Sunny Shaw, executive director, said homelessness is a problem because many families struggling with poverty in the area can’t afford even a two-bedroom apartment.

Shaw said that’s why they have been issuing vouchers which allow families to pay part of the full rent, the rest being paid through subsidies.

Shaw says while they advocate for the tenants, they also make sure there aren’t people asking for help who don’t really need it.

“Sometimes things happen that are normal wear and tear, but also sometimes things happen that are tenant damage,” Shaw said. “So we’re going to call that out as well so that the landlords can be aware and that we can hold those tenants accountable.”

Shaw said while there’s a lot of opinion about folks who live in poverty, she said the most important thing to remember is it’s not a choice.

She also addressed a common thought that those who use their services should be required to submit to a drug test. She asked if those who think that way would like it if their 95 year old grandmother was forced to take a drug test to have a place to live.

The Homeless Stand Down, is Oct. 25.