11/06/2019
Meet Erica (pictured right), she was permanently housed through Housing Plus's Kids Home Initiative. She shared her experiences of living in a motel in the Clayton County area with Chara (pictured left), Housing Plus's Housing Coordinator. This interview took place with Erica in her new two-bedroom apartment after being helped by the program, Kids Home Initiative.
Erica, What was it like living in a motel?
“Being homeless and living in a motel was extremely hard. Every day I witnessed a lot of prostitution, drugs being sold, and alcohol. Music blasted at all times of the night, I couldn’t get any sleep. I left for work at 5 am and people were still outside lingering or some days all over the motel steps asleep. It was not a good environment to live at all. You have no privacy.
How did you and your family end up living in a Hotel?
“I relocated from Florida with the intention of moving into a townhome here in Georgia. But suddenly the realtor announced to me that there was a change. An eviction showed up on my record. I couldn’t believe it because I paid my last landlord everything. I was shocked. We couldn’t get the townhome even though the eviction was wrongfully filed. I called him (the landlord) and he even apologized and said he was sorry. But sorry wasn’t good enough. I was stuck, living in a one-bedroom motel with my family because we needed a place to lay our heads. I couldn’t get an apartment because of the eviction. One month turned into five months of living in a motel. I got behind on my car note trying to jungle paying to live here. I paid $380 a week to live in a motel. We couldn’t cook. We had to eat fast food every single day. Things got tough.”
How did you hear about the program and how has this program helped you?
“This program has truly been a lifesaver. One day, I saw a lady’s Facebook post about the program. She said that they helped her with housing and other Clayton County moms living in hotels. I read the comments. Many people said it was a scam, but I needed to see for myself. I said why not try it? It couldn’t hurt. So, I called the number and emailed Ms. Chara with Housing Plus. She spoke of a partnership that the program has with the Wingate Apartments. While working with her to get everything I needed, they allowed me the opportunity to present paperwork proving that the eviction was wrongfully filed. I got all my paperwork turned in and that same day I was approved. Housing Plus then paid my first month’s rent, security fees, administration fees, and risk fee to move my family into stable and sound housing. I couldn’t believe it. I’m here!”
Erica, we are so happy for you. If you could give advice to other moms, what would you say to them?
“I would say, don’t give up and don’t make the motel your home. That’s why I quickly decorated my home as you can see. When I was there, I just kept saying that this motel –it’s not my home. I saw others around me, other moms with little kids get complacent. They stopped trying and many have given up. I would tell them to please don’t give up. Strive for your kids.”
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