I am 60 years old, legally blind and homeless for 11 months now in Haywood County. I am not a drug addict nor someone with a criminal record.

I have lived here for many years and love it. I sold my home last year, put my money in the bank and started looking for a smaller house for me and my dog. My search was looking positive until I applied for a loan and was denied due to my monthly income of social security. No matter that I have an awesome credit score, one small loan for my used car and down payment bucks waiting to be used. Obviously with mortgage rates so low my buying versus renting would be ideal and I know how to live within my means.

So, I started looking for a decent rental only to find that the rent prices have gone sky high and now to do an application, your monthly income has to be a certain percentage to even be considered. In desperation I contacted Mountain Projects and applied for section eight. That was about eight months ago and I’m still hoping to get the “letter.” I’ve tried for an FHA, USDA and anything you can think of to no avail.

I’ve discovered that very few landlords will accept section eight and there are hundreds of families here in line with me. The greediness is mind boggling along with the prices for a roof over your head. I am fortunate more than many but only due to the incredible friends I have here who have allowed me and my sweet dog to bounce around with our boxes and bags of our basic stuff. 

The downside for me is sheer exhaustion both physically and mentally. The stress on my pet worries me too. My diet has really been compromised and my vision is worse than ever. I’ve read with great interest about all the recent plans to build affordable houses, grants and projects and that would be great except I don’t have the time or energy to wait a couple of years on that list either. 

Every day is the same dismal results and I’ve never felt so hopeless, but I do have new insight regarding homeless people on the street. I just don’t want to join them.

Mylan Sessions

Waynesville