Homes for All MN collects housing stories to show our lawmakers the real world challenges people in Minnesota are facing when it comes to having a safe, stable and affordable home. The story below, shared anonymously, has been edited for length and clarity. Click here to share your housing story.

Tell us about a time you couldn’t afford your housing. How did it impact your life? What sacrifices did you have to make?

When I got a divorce, I had to learn to live with one income, which was not enough to take care of 3 children. We had to go to a shelter, which resulted in me losing my car and getting bad credit because I couldn’t pay my credit cards. I had to have all children with me at all times, so it was hard to find housing or make appointments. 

Do you feel that you have a choice about where you live now? Do you feel like you’re able to live someplace that is safe, healthy, and good for your family?

I still don’t have a choice about where I live because I have to make sure that I can afford housing wherever I live, and most of the time, it is in the inner city and poor neighborhoods.

Are there goals in your life that you can’t achieve because you struggle to afford safe, healthy housing?

Finishing my education, helping my mentally ill mother, better education for my children

What’s one thing you want people to know about you and your family?

We are good people that did not grow up with a plan. 

If you could change one thing about housing in your community, what would it be?

More affordable housing for everyone — not just the homeless.