On the Home Front

My name is Carla, and I would like to share my story about how I became a Housing Choice Voucher tenant, formerly known as Section 8, in Columbia, South Carolina.

As a single mother, I faced uncertainty about how to provide a stable home for my family. My mother informed me that Columbia Housing was accepting applications for rental assistance through their Section 8 program. Although I was initially uncertain about the program, I decided to attend an event and apply. After completing the necessary paperwork and submitting it to their staff, I was instructed to watch for updates in the mail. The process moved quickly, and soon I received a letter from Columbia Housing inviting me to attend an orientation because I had been accepted and would receive my voucher.

During the orientation, they explained that we had 30 days to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and they mentioned that they could extend this period for another 30 days, understanding that finding a suitable home can be challenging. They also informed us that they would conduct annual inspections to ensure that our landlords maintained the properties properly. Eventually, I found a place that my children and I could call home, and everything went well for many years.

As my children grew older, I began volunteering at a local food pantry at a church in my neighborhood. During this time, I heard from many clients who shared that they faced hardships affording groceries. Many were either living in public housing or were Section 8 tenants like me. Their personal stories about how they were treated due to their need for assistance made me both angry and sad.

Many of our clients also recounted their experiences of mistreatment by their landlords. They often described a culture of fear, where voicing concerns or complaints could lead to retaliation, including eviction. Some of these individuals were living in deplorable conditions, such as homes infested with mold and mildew, which posed serious health risks. In addition to this, many dealt with severe insect infestations, making their living environments uncomfortable and unsanitary. Despite these alarming issues, a significant number of our clients chose not to speak up, feeling that the potential consequences of complaining outweighed the possibility of finding a resolution to their problems.

Eventually, I started having issues with the owners of my home. Hearing the stories from the pantry clients further motivated me to take action. I realized that many people, including myself, were living in fear of eviction for little or no reason. Many individuals were afraid to speak out about their mistreatment and remained silent, hoping that they would one day no longer need rental assistance.

One day, feeling the need to find a meaningful way to advocate for myself and others, I decided to search the internet for organizations dedicated to social justice and community support. After some research, I discovered the Results Education Fund, an organization focused on empowering individuals to engage in advocacy and policy changes. Intrigued by their mission, I completed the membership process and officially became a member.

As part of a coalition of South Carolina organizations fighting for housing justice, I had the opportunity to participate in lobbying efforts where we prepared to meet with local legislators. One of our significant achievements was arranging a meeting with Representative Joe Wilson. The experience was both enlightening and empowering. During the meeting, Mr. Wilson showed a genuine interest in our concerns and was eager to listen to our stories, which made us feel heard and validated. It was a significant step forward in our advocacy work.

Despite this positive experience, I felt a deeper desire to help those who were struggling in public housing and facing the challenges of living in Section 8. Many individuals and families in these situations often feel trapped and without options. One of my teammates recognized my ongoing issues with my landlord and recommended a resource that could provide further assistance. She sent me the link to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an organization dedicated to advocating for affordable housing and tenant rights.

I joined the National Low Income Housing Coalition with the hope that it would equip me with the tools and support needed to advocate for others facing similar challenges. I knew that by sharing my experiences and those of my community, we could raise awareness about the systemic issues affecting people’s lives and inspire change for a brighter future. By becoming a member, I envisioned a platform where our voices could come together, igniting hope for those who felt they had none.

I am committed to advocating for individuals who need support in Columbia, South Carolina, and I also have plans to travel to Washington, D.C., when the time is right. My primary goal is to ensure that individuals living in public housing programs are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, so they do not have to live in fear due to their need for assistance in paying rent.

I envision a future where my voice, along with the voices of thousands of others who share similar experiences, can be amplified to bring about meaningful change. It is essential that we work together to raise awareness about the issues faced by those in public housing and push for policies that protect their rights and well-being.

I passionately believe that just because someone requires help, it does not warrant judgment or unfair treatment. Everyone deserves to live in a safe and supportive environment without stigma or discrimination. Advocacy is particularly important to me because I have firsthand experience with these challenges. I know the struggles and hardships that come with seeking assistance, and I am determined to use my voice to drive change and foster a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Carla Ventura is a mother, the founder of the nonprofit Food for All, and an Expert on Poverty with RESULTS from Columbia, South Carolina.