It is no secret that housing can be costly in D.C. It can be frustrating when apartments or houses advertised as "affordable" are not "affordable" to you. Many renters and homebuyers are facing the challenge of finding housing they can afford, and you may have the same challenges too.
During your search for affordable and accessible housing, there may be times when you are told, "No, the waiting list is closed for apartments based on income." You also may hear, "Sorry, there are no accessible apartments available; please call back later." You probably will be told no, more often than yes. Please do not get discouraged.
Patience is needed to avoid being disappointed and overwhelmed during your housing search. It may take a while to find available, affordable, or accessible housing that you qualify for and need. To help you stay motivated, please remember the following tips:
- Believe you can -- This is the first step towards achieving your housing goals.
- It takes time – Searching for housing can be very time-consuming. You will need patience to achieve your goals.
- You have community support - D.C. government agencies and non-profit organizations have free programs, services, and housing counseling to assist you with becoming a tenant (renter) or homeowner.
- Use DDS’s Housing Resource Guide - This helpful tool informs you of programs, services, workshops, and community- organizations that can assist you.
- Communicate – Family, friends, caregivers, service coordinators, housing counselors, and case managers are your best support system when you need encouragement.