Bridgette Spikes, a 54-year-old African American grandmother from Victorville, California, is celebrating a significant milestone—becoming a homeowner after years of renting.
With the support of the Section 8 housing voucher program, Spikes has achieved a dream that many thought was out of reach.
As a single mother, Spikes applied for a Section 8 voucher years ago, a decision that helped her take steps toward financial independence.
The voucher not only provided rental assistance, but it also enabled her to reduce her reliance on federal aid, boost her income, and save for a down payment on a home.
Reflecting on her journey, Spikes expressed gratitude and disbelief, saying:
“Sometimes pinch yourself, is it really happening? It’s really real. It’s just a blessing. It’s a happy-sad occasion, so many people have gone on that I would have just loved to have shared this moment with them.”
Her story has garnered praise, particularly from Alison King, Deputy Executive Director of the Long Beach Housing Authority. King commended Spikes for her determination, stating:
“There are families that you know really lean on the subsidy and rely on it in such a way that it’s kind of scary to not have it, so she’s very courageous in what she has done.”
Spikes, who had previously lived in a smaller rental in Long Beach, relocated to Victorville to find a more affordable home with more space for her family.
Despite the sacrifice of living farther from her job, Spikes is committed to securing a stable home for herself and her grandchildren.
“I don’t never want my grandchildren… to ever be homeless,” Spikes shared, underscoring the importance of stability and security for future generations.
Spikes’ journey to homeownership serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and the power of affordable housing programs to transform lives.
