I am a single mother and look after a 10-year-old son full-time.

Even though his father pays child support and I make $43,000 a year with my bachelor’s degree, I still struggle to pay my bills and extremely high rent.

I’ve had to take on several side jobs to make ends meet, including social media. Although I don’t make much money, I’ve been making some money on Instagram by posting Reels and recently joined TikTok’s Creator Fund, where I also write product reviews.

Still, I felt like I couldn’t afford to live in New Jersey.

When I moved into my previous apartment complex in Elizabeth in 2018, rent for a two-bedroom apartment started at $1,550 a month and rose to $1,760 by 2024.

The complex was old, full of bugs, and lacked any amenities. I also didn’t live in a great neighborhood. The school district wasn’t the best, and there was crime, homelessness, and drug use on the streets.

I knew I had to leave Elizabeth before my son reached high school age because I wanted him to be safe and get a better education. I didn’t want him to be exposed to the things I grew up with. Children grow up too quickly in that kind of environment.

I never thought I would win the real estate lottery

In New Jersey, developers can build large, expensive buildings as long as they reserve some units for low-income people, ensuring that everyone has a chance to afford some of the nicer buildings.

In 2018, a former colleague told me about Piazza and Associates, a company that helps low-income renters and homebuyers find affordable housing.

Piazza and Associates operates a lottery program that helps these households throughout New Jersey obtain homes or apartments at reduced prices relative to their income.

The program sounded too good to be true at first. I also read reviews from other applicants who said the process was long and tedious.

I wanted to apply, but I thought, “Yeah, sure, as if I would win one of those apartments.”

But last year, a colleague of mine bought a home through Piazza. He encouraged me to apply, and his success was motivating. I realized if he could do it, I could too.

The application process for the housing lottery was lengthy

I submitted my preliminary application for an apartment complex in October 2023. I did not receive an invitation to submit my final application until the end of March. I was placed on the waitlist because my income was too high for the very low income category, so I was moved to the low income category.

In April, I received an email inviting me to submit my final application. The entire process required a lot of paperwork. The stack of required documents was about three inches high and included W-2 forms, six months of bank statements, and more.

In July, I received approval to submit my final application for the apartment complex. I also had to provide bank statements to Piazza again. I received my approval letter later that month, signed my lease, and then moved into my new apartment in August.

I basically hit the jackpot. In the building where I live, only six to ten apartments were reserved for low-income tenants, even though 5,128 people applied.

Our apartment is new and beautiful

My new apartment is in Montville, a very wealthy town.

The median home price is around $800,000 and the median income is around $134,000. The schools are fantastic too.

My residential complex has several courtyards with grills and a Large rentable event room with pool table, TVs and kitchenette.

There is also an arcade, a playground, a gym, a rooftop lounge with a bar area and a sunbathing area.

My apartment costs $1,260 per month, including parking and dog fee.

I have a beautiful apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a walk-in closet, a double vanity in the bathroom and a balcony.

There is also a washing machine and dryer in the apartment, a built-in microwave above the electric stove and a dishwasher.

When I moved in, I got rid of many items, including my king-size bed, which didn’t fit in the smaller bedroom of my new apartment.

I used nearly $500 of the revenue I earned from my videos on TikTok to purchase a sofa and coffee table from a local Habitat for Humanity store.

For now, I’m happy with the bare minimum because the opportunity is just so great.

My life has changed for the better since I won the property lottery

Getting away from the old building and the city has done wonders for our mental health.

Both my son and I have changed for the better. We wake up happier and have a better outlook on life overall.

My son is excited to explore the facilities and enjoy the sunshine. This is different from when he played in the car park at our old complex. It’s great to have a safe place for him.

The best thing about living in my new building is just the quiet. I haven’t heard any sirens since I moved in and it’s wonderful to have a quiet environment without arguments in the hallways or the unpleasant smell of drugs.

Plus, I can now save money to buy a safer car.

Lottery programs like Piazza’s have a significant impact and change lives, which is great.

It is especially encouraging to see that many of the beneficiaries are black and brown women who are getting the chance to be independent and live in luxury.

However, the process is not as quick and efficient as it could be. Although they help many people, they have their hands full trying to find them an apartment.

I believe there is a need for more programs like this and additional resources, as well as raising awareness that these programs are legitimate and not scams.

I was very touched by the comments on my video. People said it gave them hope. It’s heartbreaking to see how many people are struggling and need programs like this.

I just wish there were more options for those who need them.