HOMELESSNESS ON THE RISE BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL CRISIS

In less than 9 days, my wife and I will be homeless.

Not because we made bad judgments, didn't read the market right and whatnot, but simply put--because people like me (whom are on low-income)--are simply priced out of both house and home.

The victims of this financial meltdown brought on by the Bush administration's love affair with de-regulation and his rich cronies--has been (unfortunately) homeowners and renters.Homeowners whom lost their homes and have flooded the rental market in record numbers in Western Washington these past several years, and long-time renters (like myself) whom have been relying on public housing to get by; because our normal amount of disability or other government-reliant--checks--is woefully insufficient to keep up with the now staggering costs of renting out even a 1-bedroom apartment.

But because of the crisis, housing agencies have become unable to absorb the extra costs.

And therefore, we were denied our voucher. And since we cannot afford to live anywhere else--becoming homeless once again is a sobering reminder of just how neglected the people have become since the Republicans took over Congress and Bush took over the Presidency.

And now--because of the financial crisis at hand--we are now staring down the barrel of the most expensive bailout in US history. All for Wall Street's benefit, but not Main Street's.

Mine will be on these cold streets of Everett--because there is no home for me or my wife.

It may be some time before we can get back on our feet--if at all. But I never once gave it much thought that we would be affected like this.

But I was wrong. So very, very, wrong.

Schuyler Thorpe

xxxth Street xx #X001

Everett, WA 98204

(XXX)-XXX-XXXX