KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WVLT) -- So many in today's economy are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to get by and keep a roof over their heads.

But if you need assistance with a place to live, you may have to wait a while before you get any help.

Affordable housing has always been in high demand, and not only is KCDC seeing more people, but they're seeing people come to them for help for the first time ever.

There's more than 3,000 affordable apartments in the Knoxville area alone, and a waiting list for every single one.

Kenneth Pack is one of dozens staying at Knox Area Rescue Ministries, and while he appreciates the warm meal and a place to sleep, he's looking for something more permanent.

Kenneth says he is "trying to get housing, started trying to get it 3 and a half months ago. Finally got approved and I'm still waiting."

And Kenneth is not alone; He's one of many on a waiting list for one of Knoxville's affordable housing locations.

Robin Brown with Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, or KCDC, says "we assist a number of different types of people, families, seniors 62 and older, disabled individuals, and sometimes single people."

Robin helps people find affordable housing, and the 15 different properties in Knoxville each have their own waiting list for each size of apartment.

"So folks who are applying for a 5 bedroom apartment are not in competition with folks applying for a 2 bedroom apartment." says Robin.

And with some units even including utilities, the help can be exactly what some people need.

Robin says "based on the economic times now, we are starting to see many, many families who have lost their place to live. Maybe, they were renting and paying their rent like a good tenant but the owner of the house was foreclosed on."

With no set time frame, of how long he will be on the wait list, Kenneth is worried, because his time in KARM's temporary housing is almost up.

Kenneth says "it would put a big relief on me, take the weight off my shoulders as far as worrying about a place to live, eat and sleep."

Volunteer TV did ask exactly how long the wait list is, but KCDC would not say how long or how many are on the lists, as the economic struggles continue.

If you need help with affordable housing in Knoxville call the KCDC office at 865/403-1100.

If you're outside Knoxville in East Tennessee call the HUD office at 865/545-4370 and they'll direct you to your local place of assistance.