It's part of the American dream - living in a place you can call home. But for some, this comes with a few obstacles.

Amber Stevens, a single mother and University of Akron nursing student, is fighting her eviction notice from the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority after missing two Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program recertification appointments.

Stevens claims she contacted the office the same day that she missed her rescheduled appointment due to car problems, but she didn't receive a call back from her case worker until two days later. She was unable to provide proof of the car trouble.

Vincent Curry, executive director of the Fair Housing Advocates Association, understands the rules that AMHA has put in place, but believes each case should be handled separately .

"This is a very restrictive, almost draconian, application of the rules. I don't think the punishment fit the crime in this case," Curry said.

AMHA: Follow The Rules, Keep Your House by Amani Abraham

AMHA also claims Stevens violated the Family Obligations Regulations because she had a misdemeanor trespassing charge in 2009.

As a result, AMHA told Stevens her subsidy would terminate on March 31, 2012, and she would be removed from the program.

James Casey, AMHA legal counsel, said it's essential that residents follow the rules in order to ensure quality housing.

"Our first objective is to provide good housing and to keep people in that housing, but we got to enforce the program rules and expect their cooperation to allow us to do that," Casey said.

Casey said the agency works with residents with substance abuse and provide options to those involved in a criminal matter.

"There may in fact be a conviction and AMHA will attempt to work with the family. Sometimes an offending member is removed from the family and the remaining family members are allowed to stay. Sometimes there is treatment or educational programs that are appropriate," Casey said.

Curry said more people need to learn about the how the guidelines and rules enforced by the AMHA impacts others.

"If folks knew how these rules were impacting peoples lives, I think it might cause folks to stand up and say 'I think it's time to take a different look at this," Curry said.

It's essential that residents follow the rules in order to ensure quality housing, according to Casey.

"Our first objective is to provide good housing and to keep people in that housing, but we have to enforce the program rules and expect their cooperation to allow us to do that."