Voices from Highland: Ms. Wanda

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.