Mother of 4 assisted by PLC’s Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit
After the Anaheim Housing Authority (AHA) proposed terminating the Section 8 benefits for the family of a domestic violence survivor whose abusive husband refused to leave their apartment, PLC stepped in to protect the rights of a mother and her four children.
“It makes me feel very happy because I see the change in my children now that I can provide a safe home, they are very happy about it,” said PLC’s client. “Their well-being is my priority, and their lives have changes tremendously now that we have our housing secured.”
“Anna” (not her real name) was in a marriage for more than 20 years with a husband that abused her physically, emotionally and financially. She is the mother of two girls, ages four and ten, and two boys, ages 12 and 19. After years of abuse, Anna gained the courage to separate from her husband, asking him to move out of their apartment.
To that end, she informed AHA that she was a victim of domestic violence and requested that her husband be removed from the Section 8 voucher. Anna’s husband refused to leave the apartment and told AHA that he would not willingly be removed from the voucher. Rather than attempt to resolve the situation appropriately, AHA proposed the termination of Section 8 benefits to the entire family.
Anna turned to PLC Staff Attorney Michelle Kim and Intake Specialist Yvonne Lopez, who communicated with AHA and informed them that its procedures were in violation of the many protections established to protect victims of domestic violence. After several exchanges with representatives, AHA formally rescinded its proposed termination of benefits for the entire family. PLC also produced evidence of the abuse Anna had endured and AHA proceeded with terminating just her husband from the Section 8 program.
In October 2014, Anna’s husband was terminated from Section 8, and she successfully obtained a permanent restraining order against him. At that point, Anna’s husband moved out of their apartment and Anna became head of household. She has full custody of her children and they are able to stay in their home.