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I’m a full-time medical receptionist with some college education and a single mom who has worked multiple jobs since age 13 (weekend babysitting, house cleaning, etc.). In Coastal Fairfield County CT, I have the best earning potential and access to public transportation.

Prospective landlords who refuse applicants with a low to moderate credit score; have “33% of income” requirements, or prohibit eviction history don’t have a full picture of me as a tenant!

My rent, utilities, tenants insurance, health, life, and auto insurance are paid before groceries, basic internet, car maintenance, a StraightTalk cell phone plan, and credit cards that are used for car repairs. I live in a rundown apartment near the railroad station, Route One, and Interstate 95 with one of my sons who attends UConn Stamford part-time and works part-time.

My monthly rent and utilities are $2100 and my monthly gross income is $3683 (sometimes more if I get extra hours of weekend work). I was evicted during my marriage to a man who embezzled from his employer and he hid his nonpayment of rent from me until I was surprised to receive the notice. After he was incarcerated, I shared a place with another single mother and paid 60% to her 40% of the rent/utilities in cash for two years while I saved for first, last, and one month rent.

I earn “too much” to qualify for any federal or state housing subsidies. I raised my younger, autistic disabled son through age 26, and he’s now in a great group home, but my years of sacrifice for our family mean that I will never be a homeowner, and I’ll always be a tenant.

When my nest is empty and I’m able to scale down to a one bedroom apartment, I just want to have a chance to live near my job, my sons, and to good health care/hospitals.