Becca Morris is excited about her new home in Harrington, Delaware. After years of living in public housing, she is finally moving into a house she has been dreaming about. This change comes after a long journey filled with challenges, including raising her son, Jayden, while dealing with a difficult past.
Morris applied for a federal housing subsidy years ago when her life was in turmoil. She had a son at 19, and the father was often in rehab or prison. At that time, she was staying with friends and family. When she received the offer for rental aid, it came with a catch: the assistance would end after seven years. However, Morris saw this as motivation to improve her life and go back to school.
With the help of the subsidy, Morris and her son lived in a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Bridgeville. The space was small but filled with life, including aquariums and family photos. Even though the seven-year limit was approaching, Morris found comfort in the program’s support.
Delaware’s housing authority is one of the few in the country that can impose time limits on housing assistance. This program encourages recipients to work and save money. Unlike most housing subsidies, if Morris’s income increased, her rent would not go up. Instead, the extra money would go into a savings account that she could access later. This unique approach allowed her to save money over the years.
Morris appreciated the flexibility of the program. When she faced challenges, such as an injury that prevented her from working, she received additional time and support. She even paid a minimal rent of just $50 while completing her nursing degree.
After nine years in public housing, Morris is ready to move on. She found a new home after a two-year search, and it was a relief to finally secure a place before her subsidy ended. The house, still under construction, brings her joy as she imagines having her own laundry room and more space for her family.
While Morris is optimistic about her future, she knows it will require hard work to manage a mortgage. She feels a mix of excitement and anxiety about this new chapter in her life. As she stands on the front porch of her future home, she reflects on her journey and the support she received along the way.
Morris’s story highlights the importance of housing assistance programs that focus on helping families not just survive, but thrive. While some programs have faced criticism for imposing strict time limits, Delaware’s approach shows that support and flexibility can lead to successful transitions into stable housing.