Hi,

I am a 58 year old retired artist. I have had several back surgeries over the years and I do use a cane but I'm still able to traverse stairs if there's not too many. I keep a spotless home and have a 12 year perfect rent payment record in the same apartment. My problem is that no one will consider allowing me to lease because of the housing voucher (Allegheny County Housing Authority) that I need to use to help pay my rent. I receive Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI.

It is not welfare. I live off of the taxes that I paid into while I was working. I had my first back surgery at 29 and at the age of 39 my back needed another surgery which benched me permanently. I am a decent human being who respects the property that I reside in. I have a BFA in sculpture from Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio. I do not drink alcohol or take illegal substances or tobacco. I do have a Medical Marijuana card but I rely more on edibles than smoking.

I would be willing to invite you to my home to see how I live. I am an honest and professional individual who would like to be able to rent outside of the affordable housing offered in Pittsburgh. It's pretty scary.

In reality, a vouchered tenant is safer than a regular tenant because if the regular tenant can't pay, the ACHA will pay the landlord the full monthly rent. The landlord is completely covered.

I hope someone out there will take a chance. Sometimes a leap of faith is the right move. Thanks for considering me.