As unemployment levels in America rise to historic highs, Social Security falls into the red and Congress adds $164.05 billion to the deficit in July, the Obama Administration still thinks the great American recovery initiatives are moving along quite well.
Tell that to the tens of thousands of needy people in Atlanta who waited for housing vouchers yesterday! According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a mob of thirty thousand people showed up to a public housing office to turn in applications for federal government-subsidized apartments in Section 8 of the city. Applicants came from all over the Atlanta-metro area and even other states for this chance to secure housing for their family. Unfortunately, 62 people needed medical attention – 20 transported to a hospital – as the mob swarmed the office and waited for hours in the hot summer sun. Housing officials say that only 200 public housing units are available to applicants and 455 vouchers for rent in private housing will be distributed. The AJC article noted that it will be about six months before any vacancies arise and some of the applicants may spend up to 10 years on the waiting list. So, about 1 of every 10 Americans is out of a job, and in Atlanta, only 1 out of every 20 of the housing voucher applicants might get a roof over their heads in 2011 – courtesy of the Uncle Sam. Still, officials declare the day was a success. Sounds familiar…