“It’s a struggle. Everyday is a struggle,” said George Black.
He’s 61 years old, has had a triple bypass, 3 pacemakers, 7 stints, and cant walk more than a couple of blocks without taking nitro glycerine because of chest pain.
Black is also on disability. So needless to say he lives on very little money and has been trying in vain to get a low income apartment; but has had no luck at all.
The numbers aren’t in his favor. There’s 10,000 people on the low income waiting list. There’s 2,200 low income apartments in Corpus Christi and the wait could be 5-10 years.
And Black is one of those who waits
“I’ve waited 5 years now. Because of Hurricane Harvey, they’ve put several people ahead of me and I’m back to where I started and I feel in my heart that’s not fair,” said Black.
Black was 30th inline for a low income housing apartment. Now he’s number 791.
But Gary Allsup, the CEO for the Housing Authority says that’s the way the process works.
“The waiting list is based on a needs assessment,” said Allsup.
Meaning it’s a points based system. The more needs or points you have, in things like family size, the better your chances of getting in an apartment.
“So in theory someone could walk in today and be the next housed person,” said Allsup.
And Allsup admits there just isn’t enough low income housing in Corpus Christi.
If you are on a waiting list, here are some helpful links that may be helpful.
