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My name is Jen and I am a tenant living in South Portland, Maine. I am a registered nurse. I live with a Home Depot manager and a pharmacy technician. I don't know what is going on with the rent everywhere but I can tell you it is out of control.

My rent for a two bedroom apartment was $1050 for a 1-bedroom in 2019. In 2020, we moved to a 2-bedroom apartment charging $1785. We found this to be somewhat reasonable for the area. For 2021, our rent was increased and we paid $1950. They are now asking for $2145. We reluctantly signed the contract due to housing prices being out of control where we live. We have decided we are going to have to figure out something next year. I have been talking to people at work who are having the same issue -- they will also have to "figure something out."

We need someone to stop this. Housing is not an option. I see multiple tent communities in various slightly-out-of-the-way places in my city. Most of them now appear to be surprisingly clean and have well-kept individuals in them. I think it is because we are becoming like some places in California -- people are paid pretty well, just...not enough to afford rent.

Our people should not be forced out on the streets because we cannot afford rent. I'm a nurse, I can find work across the entire country if I have to. Not everyone can. Please help stop this stupidity. Housing is not an option, it's a necessity.