My name is Sandra and I came to Colorado almost four years ago from Colombia. Our daughter just started college in Denver. It was difficult to leave behind my family and life — back home, I worked as an account executive, and my husband was a retired police officer. But I love living in Colorado because it brings me peace, tranquility, and a sense of security. I’ve been fortunate to meet many kind and supportive people here, which has been a true blessing.
We started renting at Skyline in 2022, but were forced to move due to excessive rent increases — another financial burden that added to our costs. Our rent went up by $400 a month in 2023, and it was set to increase by another $400 in 2024.
I believe rents have skyrocketed because, after the pandemic, landlords took advantage of people's need for housing. For me, it’s almost a double challenge because our daughter lives on her own while attending college in Denver. She has to cook her own meals and pay for utilities, gas, parking, and other expenses. Her lifestyle mirrors ours, but with the added cost of education. While we help by covering her insurance, the financial strain of managing these parallel expenses is overwhelming.
Even a 3% increase in rent feels significant when we’re also covering gas, groceries, phone bills, utilities, health insurance, pet care, and car insurance.
It is unfair that the majority of our hard-earned income goes toward paying rent. We deserve to live with dignity and quality, just like anyone else. We, too, have families, homes, and children to care for.
