Post Pandemic Issues

Written by Johana Rolles, USF marketing student

Rising inflation has led to higher gas prices, grocery prices, and a significant spike in rent. Additionally, there has been a boom in the housing market, creating a barrier against homeless families and affordable housing.  Furthermore, Tampa Bay area is seeing a population influx, which has also added strain to the crisis. 

Landlords have been raising security deposits to five times pre-pandemic prices.  That and the higher rent makes it nearly impossible for people to get a roof over their head.

There has also been a decline in federally subsidized housing as many homeless people wait on a long list to receive housing vouchers. These families can be on the waitlist for several years.

Educators and schools are also seeing rising cases of students that are suffering.  Many families living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic are finding it much more challenging to manage these rising prices.  School districts have also seen a rise in calls from families pertaining to these matters.

Shelters and beds are constantly full of families with hardships in this post-pandemic world.  As numbers grow, it will increasingly become challenging for others to find available spaces in their local communities.

The consequences of our inactions can lead to even worse conditions in the homeless population.  We need to act today!