OUR VIEW: Long lines for housing show plight of many

Staff Editorial
Published: September 20, 2008

» SUMMARY: The long lines for a chance to be a part of a Section 8 housing program underscore the need for more quality, affordable housing in this area.

You may see headlines about bank collapses, brokerage buyouts and falling stock prices and think that it doesn’t mean a lot to the average person.

Most of us only have meager assets that remain well within the protected limits.

We all see higher prices for everything from gasoline to groceries and we know we are being called on to do more with less.

But not until you see a sight like what happened here on Wednesday and Thursday do you realize how desperate some people are to get a break that may keep their head above water long-term.

On those days, almost 600 people stood in long lines that looked more like the wait for a ride at Kings Dominion than one outside the offices of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board.

Instead of waiting to ride a roller coaster, these people were hoping to end a real-life ride that has been anything but a thrill. The folks were queued up for a chance to get on Section 8 rental assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

That’s how tough the situation has become for some.

Many waited overnight not to get assistance, but just to get on a waiting list. Culpeper only has 250 total slots and they are all filled. There are even 130 people on the existing waiting list.

The line underscores what is a problem not only here in Culpeper but also nationwide.

There is a tremendous need for quality, affordable housing. Groups like Habitat for Humanity and programs like HUD can only do so much.

The people waiting in line just want a chance at a better life for themselves and their families. But to make it happen this line is not the answer.

It will take a cooperative effort between businesses taking a chance and the community wanting to make it happen.

Until then, they wait.