That's a tough decision, Rose; I guess I would make a pro/con list and see what I preferred. I don't know what you are having to forego by paying so much in rent, if I were getting by I think I would stay where I feel comfortable and wait the year or two that it might take to get the housing assistance? What will you use the extra money for (and the lack of expense for bird food :-) and is that more important to you than knowing your neighbors and having a familiar/comfortable situation?