Housing Our Stories

Here, I talk with Ms. Carol, the resident council leader of Highland Dwellings at the time of this interview, as she shares some of her experiences within this affordable housing community at our first meeting.
 She has lived in the area for many years and has seen both good and bad changes in the community. Ms. Carol describes how the neighborhood has improved with programs that help residents with basic needs like food and clothing. However, she also discusses the ongoing issues with crime and drug use.
Ms. Carol mentions some common misconceptions about affordable housing, she says that many people living there do have jobs and are working hard to improve their lives. 

Here, I was able to interview longtime member of Highland, Ms. Claudine. Ms. Claudine has lived here since 1980. She moved there after her child got lead poisoning, and her lawyer insisted she be moved to a safer place. Over the years, she’s seen significant changes, like a dangerous alley becoming safer, but she notes that the area now has fewer jobs available. Ms. Claudia fondly remembers being the president of the Highland resident council and organizing block parties and a youth band, the Washington Showstoppers. 

I appreciated the short conversation Ms. Veronica had with me on this podcast in June 2024. She has been living in Highland for about 33 years. She first moved here in the early '90s when she was on a housing list. 

I had the privilege of speaking with Ms. Priscilla of Highland Dwellings. Ms. Priscilla has lived here since 2006, moving there as a new mother looking for affordable housing. She felt she needed more independence than she had living with her family. Though she was initially unsure about the area, she has seen significant changes over the years, especially after renovations made the neighborhood look and feel much better.
One of Priscilla’s standout memories is finding a new church after the passing of her sister, which helped her reconnect with her community. 
Ms Priscilla addresses some stereotypes about affordable housing, like the idea that residents are irresponsible with money or don’t have jobs. She notes that many people in her community work, often in security or service jobs, though managing finances can be a struggle. Resources like financial planning workshops have been helpful for some residents.
 
 
 

Here, I speak with Ms. Mary as she shares her experiences at Highland.

Ms. Yolanda shared her story with Ms. Carol, the then Resident Council Leader and me. She talks about her 20 years living  here. She explains how the neighborhood used to have a lot of violence but has become safer and more peaceful over time. While things aren't perfect, she feels the area is now a better place to live.
She also challenges stereotypes about affordable housing, saying that many people in her neighborhood have jobs and work hard to take care of their families. She wants others to know that not everyone living in affordable housing is irresponsible or unemployed.
She appreciates the feeling of community with cookouts, bingo nights, and cooking classes that help people connect. She also has a goal of finding a better job and moving to a nicer place someday, but for now, she enjoys her community.

Ms. Kathy shared her story with me and Ms. Carol, the Highland Dwellings Resident Council leader at the time of this recording. She said things have really improved since she first moved there, like better security, nicer neighbors, and more community activities. She says she feels a lot safer now, especially when it comes to her grandkids who have places to play without worrying about violence.
One of the biggest events for Ms. Kathy was when she was going through a hard time after her aunt’s funeral and dealing with surgery. She was behind on rent and didn’t know what to do, but the property manager, Miss Barker, helped her get connected to programs that helped her.
She’s noticed that more people are getting out and participating in bingo, gardening, and even a senior prom, which she really liked.
But Ms. Kathy remembers a scary incident when a strange man harassed her outside her house, and another time when the police raided her neighbor’s house, which scared her grandkids. Even with all of this Ms.Kathy feels that the community has become closer and more supportive over the years.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Wanda, who told some very deep stories to Ms. Carol (the Resident Council Leader of Highland) and I about her time living in Highland Dwellings.
Ms. Wanda has been part of the community for 33 years. She initially moved here from a shelter, starting off at Willow Road Housing.
When she first arrived, the community was nice, but things started to get worse. Eventually, though, some of the troublemakers moved out. She mentions that new things like a school have been built, and she’s become more active in the community.
Ms. Wanda talks about some of the problems the community has faced together. When she lived in a different part of the area, they had to deal with people selling drugs near where the kids played. It was a tough time with shootings and even a few killings. Wanda shares a sad story about a young man who wasn’t from the area but got caught up in selling drugs and ended up losing his life. Sadly Ms. Wanda’s son got caught up with him and ended up losing his life too.
She feels like the sense of community isn’t as strong as it once was. She misses how the kids used to play together and how the parents would look out for each other’s children. 
Wanda enjoys community events like bingo and other gatherings that Ms. Carol organizes. However, she worries about safety at events now because you never know what might happen.
Ms. Wanda also shares her thoughts on the misconceptions people have about affordable housing. She knows some people are responsible with their money and work hard, but there are also those who don’t want to better themselves and just stay where they are.
 She plans to move on to something better and is working towards that.
 

Here, Mr Clifford briefly speaks with Ms. Carol (Highland Residential Council Leader) and I as he talks about both his experiences and people that have helped him during his time in Highland Dwellings. He talks about the rough times when it was a dangerous place to live. He found support from the older residents, who tried to guide him in the right direction. He also discusses the pride he feels for his children, especially his oldest son, who has stepped up as a responsible big brother. 

I was grateful to Deandre for taking the time to share experiences at Highland Dwellings with Ms. Carol and me.

Thank you to Ms. Kima for sharing her story with me and Ms. Carol.

I appreciated Ms. Melita taking the time to speak with me and Ms. Carol.

Here, I had the chance to speak to Mr. Fred of Highland Dwellings, assisted by Ms. Carol, the Residential Council President. 

Thank you to Ms. Patricia for sharing some of her stories with us.

I am very grateful to Mr. Sal sharing his life experiences with me and his experiences at LaCasa.

Thank you to Mr. D who took time to share some of his stories.

Thank you so much, Mr. Raymond, for sharing your story with me.
He highlighted the challenges and support he received in the program, emphasizing the importance of his case manager and the community's assistance. He mentioned his involvement in the "Back on My Feet" program and his goals of securing an apartment and employment. Raymond also reflected on the need for more affordable housing and vocational training in schools.

Thank you, Ms. Chi for openly sharing your time and enthusiasm for DC and the inclusionary zoning program. 

I am grateful for the in-depth conversation that Mr. Willie had with me. Thank you.
He shared his life experiences include current housing and the challenges he's faced. He described previously staying in transitional housing called Central Place, where drug use and alcohol were prevalent among residents and staff. After initially declining a move to a more structured shelter, he later returned and found the environment safer and more supportive. He is now waiting for a housing voucher through two programs to secure permanent housing. Willie emphasized that he has remained sober since entering the shelter and is focused on rebuilding his life. He advises young people to stay in school, save money, and avoid making the same mistakes he made, particularly regarding substance abuse and dropping out of school. He also mentioned the importance of laying a foundation for a stable life, something he’s now trying to achieve.

Thank you to Mr. A for sharing his compelling story with me around inclusionary zoning.

Today, we hear from Ms. Sandra who immigrated from El Salvador at 19 and recently became a first-time buyer with help from BirdSEED and H-PAP. She shares what it meant to grow up in a stable home in El Salvador, and how difficult it was to find that same security in D.C.
From rising rent costs to language barriers, and even losing her first house due to funding delays, her story highlights the real challenges immigrants face on the path to homeownership. Now, as a homeowner in Southeast D.C., she reflects on how owning a home has transformed her sense of safety, her civic responsibility, and the future she envisions for her children.
This interview is a powerful reminder that access to housing is not just about shelter. It is about dignity, agency, and belonging.

Listen to a short clip of Ms. Kima from Highland sharing her story.