1) when you write about low-income
Housing included in new construction, it generally means incomes of 35-50,000.
Out of reach of the truly low income. 
2) I found myself wincing reading the bit where you took him to visit a place he was ruled out for from the get go by a requirement you could have found out about over the phone, just because you know the guy. There are hundreds of room listings on Craigslist,
Going for anywhere from $390 to 1250 per month .
Many of the lower priced ones are close into the city. Look on Craigslist under rooms and shares. Put in the neighborhood you want and see what's available.
If a writer is going to make his reputation writing about someone's problems, at least offer meaningful help in the search... not one high-profile feel-good visit.