Are Motels the Next Subsidized Housing?

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-07-17 15:02:00 UTC
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A single room with two double beds at Value Place Motel.

That's what Jerry Bailor's family calls home. And they're not alone. Cheap motels and hotels across the country are becoming de facto shelter for families affected by the recession. At $799 per month, it's an affordable alternative to shelter and safer than the streets. In some communities, homeless service providers are footing the bill for families in motel rooms because they are the only housing option available.

Besides, it's not like they're filled with travelers these days.

The IndyStar shed light on the stories of people living in Value Place this story earlier this month. While the awareness is good, I don't think the story even touched on the reality of the difficulties this living situation presents for families:

The adults sleep on one bed and the children on the other. The room has no closets, so they keep their clothes and belongings in 13 suitcases and boxes.

This isn't breaking news. In fact, it's kind of a stale story. Many papers have been reporting on this "alternative" approach to shelter for months.

But time should not desensitize any of us to the severity of this situation.

Photo from the IndyStar.com

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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