Housing market hits those without houses, too

By DAVID MARTIN

The beleaguered housing market is making an impact on homelessness in a way that has nothing to do with foreclosures.

Jackson County charges a $3 document fee on real-estate transactions. The county’s Housing Resources Commission distributes the money to shelters and agencies that work to prevent homelessness.

The fund did well when home sales were robust and low interest rates encouraged refinancing. But in 2006, the county spent $796,000 while receiving $533,000 in fees. The county expects to receive just $388,000 this year.