Regarding the housing CD was staying in...we have had rental property and did some Section 8 housing. As I recall, within our lease/paperwork through Sec 8 , it was specifically for the mother and child(ren) NO man/father. Also warnings against illegal drugs being on or used at the property. Either of these would result in loss of housing benefit. (among other things)
So in the grand scheme, if indeed it WAS Sec 8, it was most likely only a matter of time before the housing would be lost due to the circumstances being made public....and IMO they may have voluntarily left.