Christine Berry has two children and a mortgage - and she’s never been happier. Ten years ago, Berry was having trouble making ends meet and an even harder time trying to find decent housing for her family.

“Rent, child care and a car payment,” she said. It all added up to more than she could afford. But then she heard about the Auburn Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The program, also known as Section 8, offers financial assistance with rent and helps match qualified families with prospective landlords. The Auburn Housing Authority and Opelika Housing Authority pairs families with property owners in their cities. Both also work to place families in residences in other parts of Lee County.

Each family goes through a qualification process, including income verification, background investigation and a mandatory briefing and orientation. The program helps the family by using government funds to pay a certain percentage of their rent, but it also benefits the property owners.

“I can see a remarkable difference in the way the tenants maintain their units. They keep them in excellent condition,” said Tolly Pickett of Pickett Rentals in Auburn.

The program has been successful for Pickett over the last four or five years, he said. The program serves as a “safety net” for property owners because if a tenant doesn't pay they have to leave the program.

“The tenants we have are good. The Housing Authority keeps a close check on everything,” Pickett said.

Through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Berry was able to provide a safe and sanitary home for her family.

“It hasn't always been easy,” Berry said. “But it has paid off.”

For 10 years, she paid her rent on time, kept her home clean and took care of the property. Her “clean and consistent” track record with the program enabled her to achieve her dream. In April, 2002 the Berry family moved into their new house.

“What a blessing,” Berry said. “I paid my rent on time, kept it clean and stayed consistent. I always put God first, and through him all things are possible.”