Before moving into Briggsdale Apartments in Columbus, Ohio, Senseera Pattie struggled with chemical dependency. “What OHFA [the Ohio Housing Finance Agency] means to me is that I don’t have to live out in the community as I have for 30 years on drugs,” she said. Briggsdale Apartments provides permanent supportive rental apartments for individuals disabled by mental illness, substance addiction or histories of chronic homelessness. While living in a stable environment, Senseera has been able to take advantage of social, health and employment services, receive treatment, maintain recovery and give back to her community.
Senseera said she is thankful to have a home of her own and she hopes OHFA can provide the same opportunity to others who are in need. “I wasn’t familiar with having a home of my own. Just as I’m able to sit and talk about OHFA and not forget what they’ve done for me, maybe they can give another person out there the same opportunity.” OHFA staff met Senseera in 2010. She is settling in her new place and finding camaraderie in her neighborhood with fellow residents. “There’s so many opportunities that we have here at Briggsdale,” she said. “Tenants interact with each other; we’re more like a community. Thanks to OHFA, I have a home now.”
To learn more about Ohio Housing Finance Agency, please visit their website.
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