“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” — Isaiah 32:18
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Describe common re-entry housing options and their costs
- Calculate move-in costs and a plan to save for them
- Lower food costs with a weekly plan
- Compare transportation and phone options by total monthly cost
Lesson Notes
Re-entry Housing Realities
Many women do not go straight into their own apartment. Common steps include transitional or program housing, recovery or sober-living homes, staying with family, shared rooms, and later an apartment. Each has different costs and rules.
Background checks, application fees, and past evictions can make renting harder. Rules for public and subsidized housing vary by housing authority and by state, and some consider criminal history. Ask your re-entry case manager about landlords and programs that work with returning citizens, and get every agreement in writing.
Counting the Cost of a Move
Rent is not the only cost. A move can include application fees, a security deposit, utility deposits or connection fees, and basic furniture. A common guideline is to keep housing costs to about 30% of income, but many households pay more; the budget must still balance.
Example (amounts are for illustration): first month's rent $850, security deposit $850, two application fees of $40 ($80), and a utility deposit $100. Total: 850 + 850 + 80 + 100 = $1,880. Saving $200 a month, it takes 1,880 ÷ 200 = 9.4, so about 10 months.
Food on a Plan
Food is one of the easiest categories to overspend. Plan a week of meals, shop with a list, buy store brands, cook large batches, and use leftovers (John 6:12). Ask about food assistance and local food pantries; rules vary by state and by pantry.
Example: a $75 weekly grocery plan is 75 × 52 ÷ 12 = $325 a month.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Compare the total monthly cost of transportation, not just the price tag. Example: a bus pass at $75 a month versus an older car bought with cash that costs insurance $110, gas $120, maintenance set-aside $40, and registration set-aside $10 a month: 110 + 120 + 40 + 10 = $280, or 280 − 75 = $205 more each month. (Amounts are for illustration.) A car may still be worth it if it opens a better job.
For phones, a prepaid plan avoids contracts and credit checks. The federal Lifeline program offers phone or internet discounts to eligible households; ask how to apply. Choose the plan you need, not the one advertised.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Transitional housing | Temporary housing, often with a program, while you work toward a permanent home |
| Security deposit | Money held by a landlord against damage or unpaid rent |
| Move-in costs | Fees, deposits, and first month's rent needed before moving in |
| Total monthly cost | Every cost of an option added together for one month |
In-Class Activities
Move-In Cost Calculator
An apartment rents for $780 a month. (Example amounts.) The landlord requires first month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. There is one $35 application fee and a $75 utility connection fee. What is the total move-in cost? If you save $250 a month, how many months will it take?
Weekly Meal Plan
Plan seven days of simple breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for one adult and one child using the sample price sheet. Keep the total at or under $85 for the week. Then convert $85 a week to a monthly amount.
Assignment: My Housing and Living Costs Plan
- Describe your likely housing steps for the first year (for example, program housing, then family, then an apartment) and the monthly cost of each (estimates are fine).
- Calculate move-in costs for the step you are saving toward and how many months it will take to save.
- Write a weekly grocery amount and convert it to monthly.
- Compare two transportation options by total monthly cost.
- Choose a phone plan type and explain why.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Isaiah 32:18 promises God's people peaceable, sure dwellings and quiet resting places. What does a peaceful home look like to you? What step toward that home can you plan for, even if it is a few steps away?
Prayer focus: Ask God for a safe, peaceable home in His timing, and for wisdom and favor in every housing decision.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
A Peaceable Habitation
Few things matter more after release than a safe place to live. For many women, home comes in steps: a program bed, a relative's couch, a shared room, and someday a lease with her own name on it. Every step counts.
Counting the full cost helps you plan each step: application fees, deposits, utility connections, and the basic things a home needs. When you know the move-in total, you can set a monthly saving goal and a target month.
Food, transportation, and a phone are the other daily costs. A weekly meal plan, a bus pass compared honestly with the full cost of a car, and a phone plan that fits your real needs can free up money for savings.
Isaiah 32:18 promises God's people peaceable habitations and quiet resting places. Whatever step you are on, God is your dwelling place, and He can lead you to the next one.
Think About It
- What housing steps do you expect in your first year? ______________________
- Which daily cost do you think you can lower? ______________________
- What does a peaceful home mean to you? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 4
Quiet Resting Places
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;— Isaiah 32:18 (KJV)
God cares about where His people live. Bring your housing needs to Him.
Reflect: What kind of home are you praying for?
Pray: Lord, lead me to a peaceable home.
Do: Write a prayer for your future home.
Set in Families
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains:— Psalm 68:6 (KJV)
God places people in families and brings people out of bondage. You are not forgotten.
Reflect: Who has God placed around you?
Pray: Lord, thank You for the people You give me.
Do: Thank someone who might give you a place to stay or support.
Dwell in Safety
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.— Psalm 4:8 (KJV)
Real safety comes from the Lord, wherever you lay your head.
Reflect: Where do you need peace to sleep?
Pray: Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Do: Rest tonight with a prayer of trust.
Nothing Lost
Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.— John 6:12 (KJV)
Jesus valued leftovers. Using what we have is good stewardship.
Reflect: Where could you waste less?
Pray: Lord, teach me to use what I have well.
Do: Plan one meal from leftovers.
A Dinner of Herbs
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.— Proverbs 15:17 (KJV)
A simple meal shared in love is rich.
Reflect: Who would you love to share a simple meal with?
Pray: Lord, fill my table with love.
Do: Write a simple, low-cost family meal idea.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Which is usually part of move-in costs?
- 2.
To compare a bus pass with a car, you should compare:
- 3.
Rent $850, deposit $850, application fees $80, utility deposit $100. Total move-in cost:
- 4.
Rules for public and subsidized housing are the same in every state.
- 5.
Name three ways to lower your monthly food costs.