BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Tina Hayes moved into her apartment on Christmas day of last year. For her, a permanent home was the greatest gift she could ever receive.
"It was amazing because I surely never thought it would happen," she says with a smile.
Decorated with donated items, her balcony abloom with colorful flowers and plants, Hayes calls the place her "little piece of paradise."
Hayes' lease states the $1,300 rent was a special offer and would increase after 6 months.
She was aware of that but not concerned because she says the Bellingham Housing Authority told her she would only have to pay the equivalent of one-third of her income.
Hayes is disabled with back and heart issues and lives off her monthly $940 social security check.
When her rent came due this month, it jumped to $1,800 -- and Hayes says she's being told to pay the increase.
"It's killing me. It really is. I'm really struggling with it," she says, forcing back tears. "I really am."
The news comes despite a written assurance from the Housing Authority stating that the higher amount is not her responsibility.
A message from the Housing Authority to Hayes' case manager reads, "Even though the rent may be increasing, Tina's portion does not, as this is an income-based program for her."
Hayes lived in a Bellingham "tiny house" homeless village for more than four years while she searched for affordable housing.
Now, she worries she'll have to go back.
"That's so much stress," Hayes says. "I don't need it. I don't have the capacity in my mind anymore for all this stress. They don't realize how dang hard it is to actually have a home and then they rip it right away from you."
For now, Hayes tends to her garden in her "little piece of paradise," hoping it doesn't become paradise lost.
"I feel like I'm backsliding in my life and I don't want to do that," she says, tears once again welling in her eyes. "It isn't fair."
KING 5 reached out to the Bellingham Housing Authority about Hayes' case. They said they could not comment because of privacy rules, but they are aware of her situation and are working toward a solution.