low income housing = low income.

low income and in a bad situation now is good but not if all you have ever lived has been bad..because honestly everyone can claim that...how can anyone prove that? not saying you may not have but everyone and anyone can claim that..and unless there are police reports from every residence etc you can't prove it & everyone can claim the same.

I would say you are looking for a stable safe residence, abuse free from which to start a new life (due to a past history of abuse)….and leave it like that.

I would expect to get placed on a waiting list. as for housing for those who are mentally ill..they might off something like a group home if you sound particularly desperate ..or maybe the housing in your area is designed for the disabled as well in which case you well need documentation from your providers showing that were you live now is harmful, etc.