My name is Rose Mary and I live in Aurora with my children and husband. I’m currently five months pregnant and have a newborn daughter, Queen, who was a preemie.
I used to make good money and could afford most of my bills, but after my mother passed away, everything changed — expenses piled up, and my mental health took a hit. I’m grateful for FAMLI, and my husband receives disability, which helps, but the rising cost of rent is really affecting us. My mother passed on July 5th, and I still had to go to work the very next day on July 6th.
We've lived at the Canterra at Fitzsimons apartment complex for almost a year. I pay $1,850 for our two-bedroom, one-bath apartment — not including utilities — and we’re dealing with a leaking ceiling and cockroaches throughout the complex.
If we had rent stabilization, I would not need to pick up a second job to feel financially secure.
Life is short – we can’t be forced to focus only on bills and rent. We have families to care for, and making sure they have a stable roof over their heads should be just as important.
