Freezing temps add pressure to Shenandoah Valley housing crisis

By Nov. 29, Lee was still about $750 behind on that month’s rent. He pays $1,500 a month to live in one of Staunton’s cheapest motels, and in less than a week December rent was due.

“Normally, if I can come up with most of the money, they let it slide until next month,” the 58-year-old said. “Seems like I never get caught up.”

He never saw himself living in a motel — but with a fixed limited income from Social Security benefits, a small pension, as well as having epilepsy and a back injury that makes it nearly impossible to work — he can't afford anywhere else. VPM News/WMRA are not using his real name because his housing situation is at risk.

The former James Madison University janitor was born in Elkton and has lived around the Shenandoah Valley his whole life. But in July, he could no longer afford rent where he lived with his longtime girlfriend, their two cats and roommates. The couple ended up at the motel.

Adding to his fears, temperatures in the Shenandoah Valley have dropped, with November’s average low hovering in the 20s. The couple has been unsheltered in the winter before, and Lee’s afraid of repeating that.

“People don't understand,” he said. “They should just stay outside for a couple hours and think how it is for people that don't have a place.”

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Photo by me.