8/3/07

I’m sad. I was pregnant when I went into the apartment I found with my HSP (Housing Stability Plus) voucher. First thing, half of the bathroom ceiling fell in. Then all the ceilings caved in. They were repaired a month later, but last week the ceiling caved in again, and had to be repaired again.

I need a larger apartment. I told HRA. They said okay, so I told the landlord [in order to get a bigger apartment in his building.] But he said “only if the rent arrears are paid!” HRA owes him back rent on my apartment.

What’s your story?

I’m a native New Yorker. I entered the shelter system in ’04, starting with Bellevue and then I moved to Bedford Atlantic. And after assessment, I landed in Pojamo House, a mens’ shelter, which lasted for two years. There, I was enrolled in the Teach Program, which was a job readiness program – it went through resume, dress, interviews etc. I was assisted with a job search in the areas of security and stock clerk.