Cities need to rewrite their laws on rooming houses. It's been many decades since they were put in place and their current form is a hindrance rather than a help. There aren't many in between options for people falling on hard times. Roommates, cheap apartment, motel room or you stay at some form of shelter. Proper rooming houses could fill that gap by being less expensive but still affording you your own space and perhaps be easier for some people such as the elderly or disabled if meals are provided.