Voices from Highland: Ms. Kathy

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.