Client Stories

“Shameka,” a single mother of three young children, had been a tenant in her subsidized housing unit for over two years when her apartment’s air conditioner developed a problem that caused a build-up of moisture and a consequent mold infestation. Shameka’s 2-year-old twins suffer from disabling bronchial asthma, which the conditions in the apartment were exacerbating, causing potentially life-threatening symptoms.

“Roberta,” a grandmother living in subsidized housing, lived in fear for her life and that of her loved ones after bullets from random, drive-by shootings had twice gone through her house, the second time severely injuring a visiting relative who subsequently had to undergo multiple surgeries. Roberta was diagnosed with severe anxiety after these two incidents. When she tried to break her lease so that she and her grandchildren could move to a safer home, the local public housing authority denied her a new housing voucher because her landlord claimed she owed more than $1,400, an allegation Roberta disputed.

“Theo” turned to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid for assistance in obtaining reasonable accommodations due to his disabilities. He had been living in the same apartment complex for 28 years and was previously accommodated by the property management with an accessible parking space. However, after the property management repaved and repainted the parking lot in the apartment complex, his accessible parking space was removed and not replaced. In addition, although Theo had been provided with a ramp to his unit, the property management had never installed grab bars or railings as promised.

“Rashida,” who receives a voucher to help with her rent, nonetheless fell behind on her payments when her employer cut her hours because of the coronavirus pandemic. Her landlord then sued to evict her, ignoring provisions of the CARES Act that protect tenants with HUD vouchers whose income was affected by the pandemic.

“Eunice,” who is 76 and deaf, had been living in the same apartment for more than a decade without any problem, paying her rent on time and keeping to herself. Her only visitors are her children and grandchildren, who stop by to check on her. One day, Eunice received a notice from her landlord claiming that her grandson was living with her as an unauthorized occupant of the apartment.

“Ariana,” was having problems with her neighbors in a public housing apartment complex. They had been harassing her ever since she reported them to management for using a fake parking pass and blocking other vehicles. During one of these incidents, her neighbor flashed a gun at her and threatened her. She called the police and filed for an injunction, not knowing what else to do. Her neighbor tried to turn the tables on her and told management that Ariana was the one who had threatened violence.