The Whitsdom Press

Tag: 2

  • Don’t Panic: The Real Story on Section 8, Work Rules, and “New Evictions”

    You’ve probably seen the viral posts or videos titled “New rules are forcing Section 8 recipients to work!” or “People are getting kicked out of housing right now!” It’s scary, and it’s spreading fast. Let’s clear the air. Most of what you’re hearing is based on myths and misunderstandings. This article breaks down the facts in simple language, so you know exactly what’s true and what’s not.

    Myth #1: Brand New Work Requirements Are Kicking People Out

    The Truth: This is the most common and frightening myth. Let’s separate the facts from the fiction.

    Are there work requirements for Section 8 right now?

    Yes, but they are not new and they are not as strict as the rumors claim. The current rules have been in place for a long time. Here’s how they work for most families:

    • If you are an adult (18-61 years old) and not retired or disabled, you are generally expected to work. You should be in a job training program or be enrolled in school.
    • This does NOT mean you have to work 40 hours a week. The rule is often called the “30-hour rule.” This means you’re expected to work 30 hours a week. You can also participate in a qualifying program.
    • There are many exceptions. You are usually exempt from these rules if you are elderly (62+). The same applies if you are a person with a disability, pregnant, or caring for a young child.

    So, what’s all the talk about “new” work rules?

    Politicians have proposed making these rules stricter. However, these are just proposals. They are NOT law. No new national work rules for Section 8 have been passed or put into effect. The program is running under the same rules as it has been.

    Myth #2: People Are Being Evicted Right Now Because of New Changes

    The Truth: This is 100% false. Since no new national rules have started, no one is being kicked out of their home because of them.

    So, why do people sometimes lose their Section 8 voucher? It’s for reasons that have always been in place. The number one reason is simple: not paying their portion of the rent. Here’s a breakdown of the real reasons a voucher can be taken away:

    • Failure to Pay Rent: Your Section 8 voucher is a partnership. The program pays a large chunk of your rent, but you are responsible for paying your share to the landlord. If you don’t pay what you owe, your landlord can evict you. The housing authority can also take away your voucher.
    • Breaking the Lease or the Law: This includes serious issues. Damaging the property is one example. Committing crimes in the home is another. Finally, having unauthorized people live with you is also a serious issue.
    • Skipping Your Annual Recertification: Every year, you must meet with your housing agency to confirm your income and family situation. If you don’t show up or provide the needed paperwork, you risk losing your benefits.

    You may see a story online about someone losing their Section 8. Almost always, it is for one of these reasons. It is not due to a mysterious new government rule.

    What’s the Bottom Line for You?

    • If you currently have a Section 8 voucher: You can relax. Your housing assistance is safe from these proposed new rules. The work requirements you have to follow are the ones you already know about. The best thing you can do is what you’re already supposed to do. Meet your current program obligations. Pay your rent on time. Be a good tenant. Stay in contact with your housing agency.
    • If you’re hearing scary stories: Always check the source. A viral video or social media post is not a reliable source of legal information. The only place to get the real facts about your voucher is from your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). They are there to help you understand your specific situation.

    In summary: Don’t let the rumors scare you. Current work rules are not new, and stricter proposals are not in effect. Your voucher is protected as long as you follow the existing program rules. Pay your rent ON TIME. Focus on what you can control. Get your information directly from your housing agency. This helps avoid the stress of online misinformation. At the same time, make sure your affairs are in order. If you DO need a job, check out my jobs page full of work from home positions.

  • How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

    Keep in mind that I am not a licensed counselor or therapist. I am writing from my experience working with teenagers in schools in low-socioeconomic areas and as a parent.

    As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and successful. But in today’s world, where technology, school pressure, and global issues are constantly changing, it can be hard to know how to support your teen’s mental health.

    In 2025, many teens are still feeling the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with new challenges like social media pressure, school violence concerns, climate anxiety, and the rising cost of living that affects families. Recent reports show that teen depression and anxiety remain higher than before 2020, and many young people say they feel stressed, isolated, or overwhelmed. These struggles can put teens at risk for more serious problems if they don’t have the right support.

    📊 2025 Teen Mental Health: What the Data Shows

    United States (CDC & national surveys)

    • In 2023, 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
    • 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, and nearly 9% attempted suicide within the past year
    • Over 20% of adolescents (ages 12–17) received mental health therapy, but the same share reported unmet mental health care needs in 2021–2023
    • Just 55% of teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need

    Trends & disparities:

    • Female and LGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of emotional distress than their male, cisgender, heterosexual peers
    • Among teens (12–17), approximately 19.7% reported symptoms of anxiety and 17.8% reported symptoms of depression during the past two weeks (2021–2023)

    Emerging Pressures (Social Media, Loneliness, Climate)

    • A April 2025 Pew survey showed 44% of parents cited social media as the most harmful factor to teen mental health; 48% of teens say social media mostly negatively affects their peers; 45% admit spending too much time online, especially girls, who report negative effects on confidence and sleep
    • According to a September 2025 survey by Hopelab/Data for Progress, 61% of youth aged 13–24 say loneliness affects their mental health; 35% say it disrupts daily life; and 25% of those in school believe their schools lack adequate mental health support
    • The Lancet Commission (May 2025) warns that economic, social, and environmental pressures—including climate anxiety—are creating a “perfect storm” for adolescent mental health decline globally

    I put together this post with tips on how to help your teen’s mental health in 2025. Whether they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply the ups and downs of growing up, these steps can make a difference.

    Tip #1: Listen without judging

    Teens often feel like their parents don’t “get it.” One of the best ways to support them is to listen with patience and without judgment. Try not to interrupt, criticize, or immediately give advice unless they ask for it. Instead, use active listening: nod, ask open-ended questions, and repeat back what you hear. For example, “It sounds like school has been overwhelming lately” or “I can see you’re really frustrated about that.”

    When your teen feels truly heard, they are more likely to open up and trust you with their feelings.

    Tip #2: Encourage healthy habits

    Healthy routines are a powerful tool for mental health. Encourage your teen to:

    • Get enough sleep
    • Eat balanced meals
    • Exercise regularly
    • Limit screen time when possible
    • Stay hydrated
    • Avoid drugs and alcohol
    • Hang with the RIGHT people

    You can model these habits by doing them as a family—like cooking healthy meals together, going for walks, or setting a “no phones at dinner” rule. Positive habits help teens manage stress, improve mood, and build confidence.

    Tip #3: Help them find professional help if needed

    Sometimes your teen may need more than family support. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, or talk of suicide, it’s important to connect them with a professional. This could be a therapist, counselor, or doctor who understands teen mental health.

    Remind your teen that asking for help is not weakness—it’s courage. Offer to help them research options or go with them to their first appointment. The earlier they get support, the better their chances of recovery and growth.

    Final Thoughts

    Parenting a teen in 2025 isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have. By listening without judgment, encouraging healthy habits, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can show your child that you are always in their corner.

  • The Truth About STD Rates in Houston

    THE STD AND HIV RATE IN HOUSTON IS AS HIGH AS RENT RIGHT NOW!

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV and AIDS, remain a major health concern in Houston. Harris County consistently reports rates higher than the Texas and national averages. This article breaks down the facts in simple, clear language. We are busting myths and dropping strong stats.

    How Bad Is the STD Situation in Houston?

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health reports, Houston ranks among the top U.S. cities for STD rates. Harris County, which includes Houston, has consistently reported:

    • Chlamydia: Over 40,000 cases reported in 2022.
    • Gonorrhea: Over 14,000 cases in 2022.
    • Syphilis: Around 3,000 cases reported in 2022, with sharp increases in congenital syphilis (passed from mother to baby).
    • HIV: Nearly 739 new diagnoses in 2022, higher than most Texas counties.

    For comparison, the rate of chlamydia in Houston is about 1.5 times higher than the Texas state average. The rate of gonorrhea is almost double the national average.

    📊 Up-to-Date HIV & AIDS Numbers in Houston

    According to the Houston Eligible Metropolitan Area data for 2022:

    • 1,413 new HIV diagnoses were reported in the Houston area in 2022. This is a 5% increase from 2021. Of these diagnoses, 90% were residents of Houston/Harris County.
    • 1,277 of these diagnoses were confirmed in Harris County specifically—that is a rate of 26.4 new HIV cases per 100,000 people
    • There were 287 new AIDS diagnoses (stage-3 HIV) in 2022 in Harris County, a rate of 5.9 per 100,000
    • By the end of 2022, approximately 33,397 people were living with HIV (PLWH) in the Houston EMA—about 30,425 of them in Harris County, with a prevalence rate of 630 per 100,000 residents
    • In comparison, the national rate of new HIV diagnoses is around 13 per 100,000, so Houston/Harris County has more than double that rate
    • Source: Houston Health Department’s 2024 Epidemiologic Supplement for HIV Prevention and Care Services Planning Report

    Note: the current population in Houston is 2.39 million as of 2024.

    Here’s a heat-map-style image showing ZIP codes in Harris County (Houston) with the highest rates of HIV and other STIs. Darker areas highlight neighborhoods like 77002 (Downtown), 77006 (Montrose), 77021 (Southeast Houston), and 77026 (Kashmere Gardens)—regions with the most elevated infection rates. Source: KPRC Click2Houston

    Why Are Rates Rising?

    Several reasons contribute to Houston’s high STD rates:

    • Lack of regular testing – Many people don’t know they are infected. During COVID, many people missed checkups, so infections went undetected.
    • Stigma and fear – Some avoid clinics because they are embarrassed.
    • Limited access to healthcare – Not everyone has affordable care.
    • Rapid population growth – More people, more risk of spread.

    🔍 What Are Common Myths About HIV & STDs?

    Myth #1: “HIV is always obvious or shows early symptoms.”
    👉 In reality, many people living with HIV don’t feel or look sick for years.

    Myth #2: “Only certain races or groups get HIV.”
    👉 Everyone is at risk. In Houston, Hispanic/Latinx and Black communities are most affected, but HIV impacts all groups

    Myth #3: “Getting tested is embarrassing or unnecessary.”
    👉 Testing is confidential, often free, and the best way to find infection early—even before you have symptoms.

    Myth #4: “If I take PrEP, I don’t need to worry.”
    👉 PrEP helps prevent HIV but doesn’t protect against other STDs like syphilis or chlamydia. Regular testing is still important.

    ✅ Prevention & Public Health Efforts

    • Free or low-cost testing available through Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, and Legacy Community Health.
    • Mobile clinics and outreach in high-risk ZIP codes (e.g. Sunnyside, Fifth Ward, South Park) help reach underserved communities
    • Services offered include PrEP, DoxyPEP, Rapid Start ART, and prenatal HIV care (risk of mother-to-child transmission reduced to under 1%
    • Rates of care retention and viral suppression: Under 77% of HIV-positive people receive some care, 55% stay in care, and 62% achieve viral suppression (undetectable and can’t pass to another person)

    Final Takeaway

    Houston has twice the U.S. average rate of new HIV diagnoses. Please get tested regularly, use protection, and know your options for treatment and prevention so you can stay safe. Stop playing with your lives out here.

    🗣️📢BRING BACK SEX EDUCATION SINCE WE ARE BRINGING BACK THE BIBLE INTO SCHOOLS!

    Watch this video below FOR AWARENESS.

    Check out this video compilation of TikTok videos about Houston’s STD problem from YouTube channel @whatitlooklike_tv