Most of us have heard the phrase: measure twice cut once. There are other wisdoms I’ve learned from my hobby of remodeling and construction that I have applied many times at work and home.
The Housing Resource Center works with hundreds of people in a housing crisis every month. We sometimes work with an individual or household who has particular requests of their next home. Yes, all of us do, when it comes to the place we want to live. I encourage choice and have categorized many of the housing choices we have.
Many of the people we work with have a date that they have to be out of their current place. Many of the people we work with have limited incomes. And many people we work with want a particular area or specific amenity such as a place near the bus line. So, when someone wants a particular area, at a very low cost, and need it right now, and we can’t meet their needs I remember a wise contractor who would ask, “Do you want it quick, cheap, or good – pick two?” Sometimes compromises are necessary. Finding good, clean, affordable housing is not easy, but it is essential. For those who must leave a place in a month or two, they may have to make a choice between paying much more for a place then they desire or choosing a place outside of their desired location.
Those who must have a great price or even a subsidy may have a long wait. Those who must have a very specific location are going to have to compromise the price or if the price is reasonable, the quality may be compromised.
We usually teach people about setting up short- and long-term housing goals. The place we can get fast is usually a place that will not meet all our needs. That’s the short-term plan. At the same time, work on a long-term housing goal to find a place in your price range and where you want to be. Quick, is often the best of the three choices to give up when planning for your home. Yes, the lessons learned on the construction have been a great service.
deborah barycz says
February 17, 2018 at 9:04 pmI have a friend who had A FIRE IN HER CONDO 11-2016. she is still without housing& has exhausted friends for help. She needs a place to go. Her condo has not passed inspection&the restoration co. isn’t doing the work! Her funds are exhausted.HELP!!!!!
Joanna Giglio says
February 19, 2018 at 9:21 amHello,
Please have your friend contact our Housing Resource Center at 248-269-1335. Our trained housing specialists will best be able to address your concerns. Please note, calls are returned in the order received.
LaShawn Malone says
August 29, 2018 at 4:11 pmI know a single mother of three small children, ages 6, 4 and 3; who is in desperate need of housing. The family has until the middle of next month (September) to move and after checking with agencies have little to no options left. The mother lost her job and was in a car accident just a week ago where the car was totaled. Now she is trying to find a job, a place to live and figure out schooling options for the two older children…all without a vehicle.
I am forwarding your information to her. I am prayerful your organization will be able to assist this family.
Thank you for all you do for the community!
Joanna Giglio says
August 30, 2018 at 7:58 amHello LaShawn,
It is best to have your friend contact our Housing Resource Center at 248-269-1335 our trained specialists can help recommend options connecting callers to programs and resources to assist in resolving a housing crisis. Calls are returned in the order received. Thank you.
Julie Cooper says
March 13, 2021 at 9:24 pmHomeless got kicked out of apartment even though I singed document through 3/31/2021. Completely homeless! Awaiting disability since June 2020!!! Not wearing a mask due to health issues
Emma Mucci says
April 8, 2021 at 7:41 amIf you are looking for housing resources, please contact our Housing Resource Center at 248-269-1335 or HRC@chninc.net. Our trained specialists will return your call in the order it’s received.