When I was pushing my son's stroller through freezing temperatures, loaded with bags and navigating subway stations without elevators, I wondered if we would ever find a place to truly call home. As a young mother with a housing voucher, I wasn't just battling the winter weather – I was fighting a system that seemed designed to keep us in limbo.
My journey began in February of 2024 when an incident at a family member's home made it clear I needed to find stable housing for me and my one-year-old son, Legend. What followed were months of temporary arrangements with friends, nights in hotels, and eventually, a stay at a shelter that wasn't suitable for a mother and baby. Through it all, Legend and my faith gave me the strength to keep going.
For months, I faced rejection after rejection. I attended countless open houses, but the responses were always the same – judgment because of my young age and discrimination because I had a housing voucher. The doors kept closing before I could even walk through them. I felt invisible.
Then in April, everything changed. Through a referral, I was connected with a tenant coordinator at the nonprofit Anthos|Home. Suddenly, I had an advocate who made the seemingly impossible process manageable. Unlike traditional housing programs that leave you to navigate the complex system alone, Anthos|Home assigned me a dedicated specialist who guided me through every step.
At first, I was skeptical. After so many rejections, it was hard to believe anything would be different. But within three months of meeting my tenant coordinator, I had viewed several apartments and found one I loved. By July, it was approved, and by October, I was moving in – a process that typically takes voucher holders in New York City up to two years.
What makes Anthos|Home different is its comprehensive approach. They maintain relationships with landlords throughout the city, making apartments available specifically for voucher holders. They also provided moving trucks at no cost, making the transition smooth. When challenges arose – whether with documentation or financial issues – they had solutions ready.
After moving in, I was introduced to an aftercare coordinator. This ongoing support was crucial, as the coordinator answered all of my questions about lease agreements, budgeting, and connected me to local resources. They offered 24/7 support and assistance with annual voucher recertification, removing obstacles that often derail housing stability.
The moment I held those keys in my hands, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Every day since, I've worked to make this space truly ours. It's peaceful here. Legend is happy and thriving. Home is more than just four walls – it's where you feel safe, where you can shut out the world and just be.
For me, this apartment represents more than just housing – it's a foundation for our future. I'm learning to be a mother, raising my son, and growing into the person I want to be. Everyone deserves this chance at stability, and the dignity and security of a place to call home.
Diamond Alagarbes is a Brooklyn resident and mother.
