Waymond Pace

Waymond Pace is a former Scott Homes resident. He was born and raised in Liberty City, and spent the years 2001-2003 living in Scott Homes.

“The system failed me.” Pace said today at the Find our People Name wall.

The government kicked him out of his home. From there his life spiraled deeper into poverty. He was offered a section 8 voucher through Hope VI but he couldn’t find housing. Pace, homeless, found himself wondering the city, sleeping on the streets. He tried to stay in shelters but they were so terrible he preferred the streets. Most recently he has been sleeping in all-night laundries.

Pace is helping find former Scott residents. He stays overnight at the last remaining Scott building, 7255 NW 22nd Ave. where the Find Our People “Name Wall” is located. During the day he leaflets the area and helps people who stop by fill out surveys about long lost neighbors.

When they were kicking him out of Scotts the county told Pace the buildings were rundown and in need of revitalization. These excuses are commonly heard in inner cities throughout the country where government works hand in hand with developers in gentrifying different neighborhoods.

The County made promises to Pace and other Scott residents that they could return when rebuilding was done. When he requested a hearing with the new head of MDHA, Kris Warren, to establish his right to a home, he was simply told to reapply for Section 8 and escorted from the building by security. “I am disgusted with these people,” he said sitting on the porch of the boarded up Scott building.

Pace is hopeful about his future and excited to be working on Find Our People Campaign as a member of Low-Income Families Fighting Together.

Based on an interview with Quanita Toffie, an MWC volunteer.