For Renata D., finding the right home wasn’t just about square footage or modern finishes, but about creating a safe, nurturing space for her five children, in a community where they could thrive. A move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina brought her to this crucial crossroads. And as a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, she knew firsthand how limiting the rental market could be.
“It was very hard to find housing other than apartments,” Renata shared. “I'm a Section 8 housing holder, so it's very difficult. But with Main Street Renewal, everything was upfront and listed very clearly. The whole application process was just smooth.”
Coming from an area in Pittsburgh she admits was not ideal for her and her family, Renata was determined to provide her children with a better quality of life. She needed a detached home: something safe, spacious, and located in a district with strong public schools. Apartments and townhouses dominated the options available to voucher holders, and many homes were either too small or in subpar neighborhoods.
“I’ve not lived in an apartment or townhouse in over 15 years,” she explained. “Especially with small children, I just couldn't go back to that.”
Main Street Renewal gave her the ability to browse homes that met her needs—square footage, number of bedrooms, neighborhood—and even offered features like two floors and smart home technology.
“We like our space,” she said with a smile. “The website made it so easy to search by city or county. I loved being able to see the pictures and have my family tour the homes for me before moving.”
The impact of the move on Renata’s family was immediate and profound.
“We went from what I would describe as a bad neighborhood to a ten-star school district,” she said. “I was paying for private school before. Now, I have my children in a great magnet school just ten minutes from home.”
Today she lives in a quiet neighborhood in southeast Raleigh.
"My neighborhood is lovely. It’s clean, the neighbors are nice, and everyone keeps up their yards.”
But what mattered most to her was her children's well-being. “My kids are flourishing. Everybody just seems happier being here.”
For Renata, one of the biggest surprises was how responsive and respectful the Main Street Renewal team has been, which was a far cry from some of her past experiences.
“Communication has been great. Anytime I’ve reached out, even before I moved in, I got a response the same day,” she said. “I’ve had to call about two issues — both were handled quickly and professionally. The maintenance people have been kind, understanding of my space, and patient with my big dog and my children.”
Even renewing her lease was effortless: “They just emailed it and I signed it electronically. Section 8 came for the annual inspection, and the only thing I had to fix was a loose screw.”
From nearby grocery stores to a selection of ten parks within five miles, Renata feels that this home is more than shelter; it’s a springboard for a better life.
“It’s just convenient. It’s the school options, the safe neighborhood, and that I don’t have to harass you guys ... and you don’t harass me too much either,” she laughed.
Reflecting on her experience, Renata is clear in her message to others considering renting through Main Street Renewal:
“I would absolutely tell them to go through the process and figure it out for themselves. Everything is very upfront. Any issues I’ve had were addressed in a timely fashion. There are options — with housing, with schools, and with neighborhoods.”
And to the team at Main Street Renewal, she offers heartfelt appreciation.
“You hire great people. Everyone has been professional, kind, not judgmental. Just really good people who carry conversations and respect your space.”
As Renata and her children settle into their new chapter, their story stands as a testament to what’s possible when a housing provider provides access to great homes, and puts clarity, compassion, and residents first.
Main Street Renewal is a licensed real estate brokerage.
We are focused on renovating and leasing homes across the country. We are proudly based in Austin, TX and have branches in 30 cities with more coming soon.