Crystal’s Story

When Crystal Wells’s name came to the top of the waitlist in Franklin County for a Housing Choice Voucher, she quickly submitted her application. “After waiting a very long time to receive a voucher for housing, the excitement cannot be described in words when you finally get the letter stating you’re at the top of the list,” Ms. Wells explained. A week later, Ms. Wells received a denial letter. “I had a criminal history that followed me into my recovery. Decisions I made during active addiction were holding me back from accessing affordable housing which I needed to better my life for myself and for my son. I was a bit hesitant, but decided I had nothing to lose by appealing the decision.”

At the time that CLA began assisting Ms. Wells, she had been living with her infant son at a dual diagnosis treatment program for ten months. Dedicated to her recovery, she was actively involved in AA and the Franklin Family Drug Court program, and had developed a strong support network. Working together, Ms. Wells and CLA Attorney Alyssa Golden presented her case on appeal and successfully overturned her voucher denial. This was not only a win for Ms. Wells, but also resulted in a request from the housing authority that Attorney Golden assist it in developing policies regarding the use of criminal records in its housing decisions. This will result in a clearer, more transparent process for future applicants. Ms. Wells’s fight ultimately improves the situation not only for herself and her child, but for her community as a whole.

This was not, however, the end of the fight for Ms. Wells. After obtaining her voucher, she applied to use it at a housing complex which in turn denied Ms. Wells because of her criminal record. The team again fought and won that appeal. Ms. Wells has since moved into a new apartment with her 9-month-old son. “I have fourteen months sober, I’m on the final phase of Family Drug Court, and I graduated from my treatment program. I am now an advisor for the Improving Housing to Improve Health advisory board. Without the decision to appeal my denials and the courage that my recovery has given me, I would not have this beautiful apartment to live and raise my child in. I will forever be grateful to Alyssa Golden for walking side by side with me during this process.”