JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
When making a military move, whether its five miles or 500, a trusted agent can help smooth the way.
To sell a home, a realtor might be needed. If moving on orders before a lease is up, legal advice could be necessary, and finding a new home is its own battle in itself.
Every house and apartment is different, but no matter the situation, the base Housing Assistance Section can help light the way to finding that special place to call home.
There are several housing options military members traditionally choose, including government controlled, community and privatized. Depending on the area, all or maybe only one will be available. Individuals all have their preference, but objective advice can be found through the base Housing Assistance Section.
"You can't tell anybody where a nice place is to live because everybody has their own idea of what type of housing they want," said Debra Skovinski, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Housing Assistance Section chief. "We basically give information. It is up to the individual on where they want to live. We don't require them to live in base housing."
Ms. Skovinski said the main customers seen at the Housing Assistance Section are those looking to secure on base housing, but said her doors are open to anyone seeking housing advice, even if the move is in the local community.
For those with orders for a permanent change of station, more complications may be faced due to the changes associated with establishing a life in a new area.
For these individuals, one simple way to get a foot in the door of a new home is through the advance housing application process. The application is able to be completed immediately upon receipt of PCS orders through the base housing office. The office holds the application until the date of departure, which is the eligibility date, and then faxes it.
When the military member arrives at the new installation, they will be immediately considered for housing available on base. Housing availability varies from base to base, and individuals are encouraged to call the gaining installation's housing office to estimate on-base housing availability.
Utilizing the advance housing option does not obligate a military member to live on base at the new duty station, said Ms. Skovinski. Rather, it is an additional tool to help military members make a smooth transition and widen their options for obtaining a residence as quickly as possible.
Advance housing is an option which has existed for many years in the Air Force, said Ms. Skovinski, and for those looking for a broader way to scope out the housing scene, the housing office also strongly encourages the use of the Automated Housing Referral Network.
The AHRN Web site can be utilized by any military member, retiree or government-employed civilian looking for a comprehensive list of homes and apartments for rent. It also includes homes for sale by owner and in many cases allows members to view photos and floor plans for on-base housing, as well as listings for temporary lodging.
The AHRN estimates approximately 350,000 service members in the U.S. military move every year, which is the basis for the creation of its Web site sponsored by the Department of Defense.
"We have had quite a bit of positive reports," said Ms. Skovinski. "I've talked to people who have come here and said, 'I put my home on there for sale by owner and in seven days, someone bought it.'"
Ms. Skovinski said although tackling a military move may be second nature for some, for others a move can be a challenge. To aid service members in the process, the Housing Assistance Section offers members who are moving the opportunity for housing consultation with the ease of a phone call or personal visit.
The Housing Assistance Section is located in Building 323. The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For questions, call 963-3860 or 963-3869.
To visit the Automated Housing Referral Network Web site, visit www.ahrn.com.