Delaina, 56, is one of the millions of hard-working Americans who found themselves jobless because of a disability diagnosis, leaving her unable to afford rent and relying on family members for housing for six years.
Today, her new home at Metro View affordable housing community, National CORE’s first transit-oriented community in Rialto, is a source of stability and hope – allowing her to be independent, comfortable and at peace.
“I still get butterflies in my stomach every time I enter my new apartment, it’s just so amazing to be able to have my own space again,” Delaina said. “I always say ‘when God closes one door, he opens another.’ I’m so lucky to live in an affordable housing community because now I don’t have to worry about if I can afford rent this month or if I need to work overtime to pay my utilities.”
Delaina’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease in 2019, a thyroid disorder that causes symptoms such as fatigue, heart palpitations and hand tremors.
Despite dedicating 22 years as a custodian for the Los Angeles Unified School District, she found herself unable to meet her rent. The Social Security Disability Insurance she received after early retirement wasn’t enough to cover her expenses.
Delaina moved in with her son, Christopher, and granddaughter, Rylei, sharing a two-bedroom apartment in Loma Linda. While she loved living with her son and granddaughter, the apartment was cramped, had poor air conditioning and was badly maintained.
After years of searching, she found her new home at Metro View with assistance from the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino.
Today, a newfound sense of stability and hope fills Delaina’s life at Metro View.
Delaina said her apartment is a new start for her entire family, freeing space in her son’s apartment. It also provides more freedom, financial opportunities and a haven for her granddaughter. She now lives closer to her doctor, allowing her to maintain her health. Delaina said she is glad to be able to find peace and start a savings account to secure her future.
More than anything, Delaina said that living in a transit-oriented community is perfect for fun outings with her family and to satiate her love of traveling.
“When I’m all settled in, Rylei and I are going to get manicures and pedicures and then she and I are going to take the Metrolink all the way to Hollywood to see the Walk of Fame and museums,” Delaina said. “Living in a community with so many different options for public transportation is amazing and convenient. It’s a blessing.”