The Housing Crisis

 Betrayed by my family and my living situation deliberately sabotaged, homelessness was thrust upon me, not chosen August 15, 2014.   The beginning of my end and the sad truth of being deleted.  My new existence began. My shelter was under a tree or through various nursing homes and rehabs, spanning for years, became a cyclical pattern of seeking stability but often finding further trauma and neglect. The medical records themselves, detailing frequent hospital visits for chest pains and stomach pains, needing a social worker to get me off the streets paint a picture of a system that often failed to see beyond superficial symptoms to the root causes of my distress.

It was only when the final blow to my head lead to securing a stable income in 2019.   This marked a true turning point, allowing me to focus on saving and advocating for myself. This shift eventually led me to Pennsylvania December 2020.  This is where my confidence to stand behind my rights blossomed but a grim reality behind the employees placed in these roles of mental health facilities violated my rights by discharging me with no warnings or a discharge plan because of personalities not because I broke any rules or policies in place.  Knowing I could hold them legally accountible, but with what money or supportive people.  Escaping from the last sober living home and saving money in Pyramid Rehabilitation.  With relief,  I accumulated enough money to make that very last time I will ever use rehabs or sober living again. Choices about my life and sobriety began on February 22, 2022. 

• Allentown Housing Authority: Factual Violations and Systemic Failures
• I secured an apartment with AHA by September 9, 2022. This transition, however, initiated a series of documented breaches of tenant rights and systemic operational failures by AHA, impacting the resident's well-being and legal entitlements and profound systemic failure to provide safe, compliant, and respectful housing, particularly for disable and seniors. These persistent violations are not isolated incidents but rather a pervasive pattern of neglect and disregard for tenant rights.
• Systemic Failures: The core of the problem lies in deep-seated systemic failures that permeate various operational aspects. This includes a pattern of inaccurate invoicing, which creates financial burdens and confusion for residents. Even more concerning is the disregard for parking permit requests, leading to tangible harm such as vehicle damage like flat tires – a clear sign of administrative negligence. Furthermore, unsubstantiated electric utility charges point to a lack of transparency and accountability in billing practices, potentially exploiting vulnerable residents.
• Unlawful Practices: Beyond administrative oversight, there are serious allegations of unlawful practices that infringe upon residents' fundamental rights. Unlawful entry into residential units constitutes a severe breach of privacy and security. The confiscation of personal property, iwhich is an egregious violation of property rights and can cause significant distress and hardship. These actions are compounded by deficient and unreliable entry notice procedures, indicating a deliberate or negligent failure to adhere to legal requirements and respect tenant autonomy.
• Pervasive Maintenance Deficiencies: The living conditions are further compromised by pervasive maintenance deficiencies that directly impact residents' health, safety, and quality of life. The presence of a dysfunctional toilet is a basic sanitation issue that should be promptly addressed. Inadequate ventilation in the East Tower and East Towers new elevators can lead to a host of health problems, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. The alarming frequency of weekly elevator malfunctions poses a significant safety risk, particularly for those with mobility impairments, and can leave residents stranded or unable to access their homes.  The unsanitary conditions in the laundry facilities, evidenced by sewer gas odors imparting onto clothing, not only render the facilities unusable but also contribute to an unhealthy living environment.
• Compromised Mail Security: A critical aspect of daily life, mail security, has also been severely undermined. AHA mail appearing in box without the proper processing through USPS. Delivery discrepancies suggest a disorganized or unreliable mail handling system, leading to missed important communications or potential theft. The presence of an unsecured mailroom further exacerbates these concerns, leaving residents' personal and sensitive mail vulnerable to tampering or loss.
• Undermined Communication and Due Process: Perhaps most insidious is the undermining of communication and due process, which strips residents of their ability to advocate for themselves and seek redress. Ignored meeting requests demonstrate a lack of responsiveness and a disregard for residents' attempts to address their concerns through official channels. Non-compliant email practices further hinder effective communication, creating barriers to information and problem resolution. Most alarming is the alleged weaponization of social services, specifically through repeated and unwarranted calls to Mobile Crisis and Adult Protective Services. This tactic constitutes a severe abuse of power, designed to intimidate, harass, and potentially institutionalize vulnerable individuals under false pretenses, thereby exploiting systems designed to protect them.
• Collectively, these deeply troubling issues paint a picture of a housing authority that has failed in its fundamental duty to provide safe, compliant, and respectful housing. The particular vulnerability of disabled individuals with brain injuries within this environment amplifies the urgency for immediate and thorough investigation, intervention, and remediation to ensure their well-being and protect their rights.