DSHA “Move to Work” Program Success.

When I think of a recent success story, I easily think of the success of Ms. Shaneka Craig.  Ms. Craig began participating in our Moving-to Work (MTW) program in January of 2016 when she received her Housing Choice Voucher.  The day Ms. Craig received her voucher she never dreamed that 6 years later she would be entering into homeownership for the very first time.

Throughout Ms. Craig’s time in the MTW program she did all the right things.  She maintained her employment and increased her earning and savings through yearly increases and bonuses given to her by her employer.  Ms. Craig worked diligently with her Financial Literacy Coach at NCALL to decrease her debt and improve her credit score.

Ms. Craig, credits her Case Manager for getting through this process, but Ms. Craig did all the work!  Ms. Craig has a drive and determination to succeed.  She didn’t give up even when times were tough Ms. Craig kept fighting and focusing on her goals.  Ms. Craig now has a place of her own to create memories with her children and every time she opens her front door she will be reminded that she can do anything!

Injured at work, a 64-year-old grandmother is supporting two grandchildren on a fixed income.

This success story begins with a single 64-year-old woman raising her two grandchildren. She receives SSA and public benefits on a fixed income but also has to work to support her family.

After discovering that her employer did not carry WC insurance (the employer is breaking the law by not doing so), she could not receive WC benefits when she was injured. To further worsen the situation, she was injured on the job and could not continue working.

This led to a substantial reduction in her monthly household income. As a result, she was not able to pay her rent and was facing eviction at a hearing set for May 12th.

The landlord kept telling our client that he would not accept DEHAP funds and that he just wanted her out of the rental unit. However, she knew that becoming homeless at her age and with two minor grandchildren was not an option. The desperate grandmother called LSCD (Legal Services Corporation of Delaware), and counsel represented the client in the eviction action. The LCSD finally convinced the landlord to enter into an agreement that allowed our client to apply for DEHAP funds.

The benefit to the landlord will be nearly $6,420, which will satisfy all of the client’s back-rent. The agreement prevented the grandmother and two grandchildren from being evicted and heading to becoming homeless.

“17 years, paying $450/month, then suddenly, the landlord raised the rent by $200.”

He and his wife are retired and on a fixed income (SSA). He and his wife had been living in the same mobile home for 17 years, paying $450/month just for the mobile home. Then suddenly, the landlord raised the rent by $200.

Faster than they could imagine, the couple defaulted on their rent payments. By the time the landlord filed an eviction action, our clients were in arrears by over $6,300.

Over the past 17 years, the mobile home had fallen into disrepair, and clients were looking to move into a rental unit in better condition. This would prove to be a challenging feat. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the rental housing market. As a result, rental costs thoughtout the country increased significantly.

With the assistance of counsel, the parties could negotiate a settlement agreement that included a resolution of back-rent through DEHAP assistance, possession of the mobile home back to the landlord at a mutually favorable date, and a fresh start for both clients.

The settlement agreement that was negotiated to include payment of back-rent with DEHAP funds ensured that our clients would avoid having an eviction on their record; and will ensure that they remain housed going forward.