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Increasing numbers of homeless families and individuals are taking shelter in weekly-rate motels as an alternative to living on the streets, but the temporary residence is not a sustainable or pleasant solution to their situation.  Often times the motels are the only affordable alternative available to people, as renting an apartment requires a credit check, a deposit and other up-front costs.  Mark Hovarth of InvisiblePeople.tv recently interviewed Tracy, who lives with her husband and children in a weekly-rate motel and he explains:

…Don’t let the roof fool you, many of these motels-turned-homes are shoddy, small, and unkempt. Hardly ideal living conditions for any person, nevermind young children.

Fortunately homeless advocacy groups and some cities, including Boston, are working to address the problem by helping to find them permanent housing that is far more safe, stable and desirable than struggling week to week.  Watch Mark’s interview with Tracy after the jump to understand the harsh challenges she faces and use the link below to find out what you can do to make a difference:

Tracy and her children from InvisiblePeople.tv on Vimeo.