seaturtle:

 A thought - sometimes, elderly persons who wish to to stay in their homes will want a family (or someone) to come live with them in exchange for maintaining the house and helping them.

Maybe the Senior Center, or another resource, might be worth a try?

Good idea, thanks. I'll mention it to them. It would be better than living with in-laws. 

I believe housing with wheels may have fewer size restrictions because it's not considered permanant. I know a large family that stayed in a camper while they were repairing an old farmhouse they purchased. // I'm not sure this works as the parent owns the home, but what about ECHO housing for seniors? The older person lives in a smaller house on pillars on the property (so it's considered temporary) while the family lives in the bigger house. I've read there may be options for zoning wavers. Not sure about costs. // Gratefully this family has family to stay with. Been there.

Also, some folks with disability need people to stay with them in order to remain in their homes. You might check with local Canter For Independent Living, perhaps put a small ad in the paper explaining your family (number of people, ages, ability to care for others) and see what happens. Another long shot, but worth a try.

 What was the reason they gave for turning them down?

I myself would write all my representatives and the governer. Though they may not want the exposure, a newspaper article usually brings results, too. I would think the press would find this an interesting topic, and it's certainly one that needs fixing, so they'd be helping others, too.

I have found that sometimes I really have to go out a limb and make noise to get what I need in this kind of situation. That unmarried people are given what legally married couples cannot get is an outrage. Housing is, after all, one of our Level One basic needs.

They shouldn't give up without a good fight.p Is the stuation with the in-laws such that it may cause emotional problems in parents, or, especially, in the child? If so, this is something to dwell on.

Cinnamonhuskies:

unfortunately it is the 'unmarried' factor. I would qualify for quite a few things if dh and I weren't married. I don't know what the difference is, if you are living together you still have the same pool of money to work with. The governemnt is unwittingly suporting shacking up.

Lived with my MIL for 2 months it was a disaster. They need to get under their own roof-somehow. Best of luck and prayers!

Being married often prevents a family from getting housing assistance from the government.

seaturtle:

What was the reason they gave for turning them down?

I don't think they were given a reason. They're not the type of people to make a big fuss about it, so I doubt that I could talk them into doing much fighting. The situation with the in laws is not good.

 Sorry to hear that, Pat. Is there a tme limit on how long they must be with the in-laws?

seaturtle:

 Sorry to hear that, Pat. Is there a tme limit on how long they must be with the in-laws?

Not that I know of, but I'm sure that in their heads it was yesterday.

Dear Pat, Does the couple in question live in a place where there is new housing construction?  Very often these days, as a conditionn of getting a Federally-backed loan, units have to be set aside for very low-incooooome & for low-income renters.  Just a thought.  Love in Him, Deb

 Deb, with no job at all (except some odd jobs he's able to pick up here and there), they don't qualify as low income renters. Thanks for posting the thought, though.I think they're open to trying almost anything at this point.