Melena: Fighting source-of-income discrimination
“In 2018, I followed a career prospect from Olympia to Pullman. I loved Olympia but was willing to take a chance on a different life in Pullman. My former partner and I started by living in employer-provided chefs’ housing as we cared for our two children together.
Over the next year, I worked up the courage to leave my abusive relationship and moved into a new apartment. While being free from my abuser was an unimaginable relief, I had ongoing issues with the management and other tenants at my apartment complex.
Between instances of the maintenance staff making false reports about the condition of my apartment, to downstairs neighbors creating noise after learning I worked night shift, it was not a peaceful living environment.
I was eligible to receive Section 8 housing vouchers which eased the burden of monthly rent payments, but it seemed like people treated me differently because of this assistance. Nonetheless, I tried to maintain a thick skin and not let it bring me down.”
Bureaucracy wins out
“After a few moves to different units within the same apartment complex, my 19-year-old son came to live with me. I called my landlord asking to add my son to the lease and was told how and when to submit the paperwork to the office.
I had just a few weeks to get the forms submitted but the office was closed whenever I arrived to turn them in. Despite many attempts to submit the paperwork, my housing vouchers were terminated. I felt frustrated and defeated and needed to find a way to reinstate my housing assistance.”
Asserting legal rights with NJP
“As a domestic violence survivor, I was already connected with Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP) and they were able to refer my case to Northwest Justice Project (NJP) for legal support. Following a quick screening call with a legal assistant, I was in touch with an NJP attorney named John who was ready to help.
I was happy John would represent my interests to the property managers, eliminating the need for me to speak with them directly. This made a huge difference in my stress levels and the behavior of the apartment managers. John represented my case in an administrative hearing to reinstate the voucher, proving that the termination had been unreasonable.
Not only was I beyond relieved to have my housing assistance back, but it was gratifying to have prevented the apartment managers from getting away with something so unfair.
NJP made me feel human when the apartment managers treated me like a problem they needed to get rid of. If anyone in a similar situation feels like something is wrong, trust your instincts; you’re probably right. Not only did John solve the current issue, but he also submitted an accommodation on my behalf to prevent any future problems. Everyone deserves to be heard, and NJP amplifies all their clients’ voices.”