6/13/24 – Laura Simmons

On a humid June afternoon in Aurora, Illinois, I sat down with Laura Simmons, a lifelong resident of the city and a single mother of two. Laura has faced numerous challenges related to housing stability over the past decade. Her story sheds light on the lesser-discussed yet crucial aspect of affordable housing: the struggles of maintaining mental health while dealing with housing insecurity.

Laura, thank you so much for speaking with me today. To start, can you tell me a little about your housing situation over the past few years?

Sure, I’d be happy to. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. I’ve lived in Aurora my entire life, and for the past ten years, I’ve been renting. About three years ago, my landlord decided to sell the property where I was living, and I had to find a new place quickly. It was a stressful time because affordable options are limited, and I didn’t have a lot of savings to fall back on.

That sounds incredibly stressful. How did you manage to find a new place?

I ended up moving into a smaller apartment on the other side of town. It wasn’t ideal, but it was what I could afford. The kids had to switch schools, which was hard on them. I was working two jobs at the time to make ends meet, and the move added an extra layer of anxiety. The new place was also in worse condition, but it was the best I could do on short notice.

You mentioned anxiety. Can you talk more about how these housing issues have affected your mental health?

It’s been tough. The constant worry about whether I’ll be able to pay rent, or if we’ll have to move again, has taken a toll. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for years, and these housing problems just exacerbate it. I’ve had to seek therapy and medication to cope. It’s hard to feel secure when your living situation is always in jeopardy.

Have you received any support from local government or non-profits?

I’ve tried to get help. There are some resources, like rental assistance programs, but they’re often overwhelmed. I was on a waiting list for months before I received any help. I’ve also gotten some assistance from local non-profits, but it’s never enough to cover all the costs. The system is so overloaded that it’s hard to rely on it consistently.

How has this instability impacted your children?

It’s been rough on them. My daughter, Emma, is 13, and my son, Jake, is 9. They’ve had to switch schools a couple of times, which has disrupted their education and social lives. Emma especially has had a hard time adjusting; she’s been more withdrawn and has struggled with her own anxiety. Jake is a bit more resilient, but I worry about the long-term effects on both of them.

What about your community? Have you found any support or solidarity among your neighbors?

That’s one of the few positives. My neighbors have been a great support system. We help each other out whenever we can, whether it’s watching each other’s kids or sharing food. There’s a sense of camaraderie because we’re all in the same boat. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone in this struggle.

You mentioned earlier that the condition of your current apartment is not great. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, the place has a lot of issues. There’s mold in the bathroom, the plumbing is unreliable, and the heating system is ancient. I’ve reported these problems to my landlord multiple times, but they’re slow to respond, if they respond at all. It’s frustrating because I’m paying a significant portion of my income on rent, yet the living conditions are far from acceptable.

Have you considered taking any legal action against your landlord?

I have, but it’s daunting. The legal system is complicated, and I can’t afford a lawyer. Plus, there’s the fear of retaliation. If I push too hard, I might get evicted, and that’s the last thing I want. It feels like a no-win situation most of the time.

What do you think could be done to improve the situation for people in your position?

There needs to be more affordable housing options, for one. The waiting lists for public housing and rental assistance are too long. There should also be stronger protections for renters. Landlords should be held accountable for maintaining their properties, and tenants shouldn’t live in fear of eviction for speaking up. Mental health support is also crucial. Living in constant uncertainty is mentally exhausting, and more resources should be available for those struggling with the stress of housing instability.

Do you see any hope for change in the near future?

I want to be hopeful. There’s been more attention on these issues lately, and I think that’s a good start. Community organizations are doing what they can, and there’s a growing movement for renters’ rights. It’s going to take a lot of work and advocacy, but I believe change is possible. We just need more people to understand the gravity of the situation and to push for the necessary reforms.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Laura. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just that people need to realize how interconnected these issues are. Housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about stability, mental health, and the well-being of entire families. When we address housing problems, we’re addressing a much larger web of societal issues. It’s important to remember that and to keep pushing for comprehensive solutions.

Thank you again, Laura. Your insights are incredibly valuable.

Thank you for listening. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.