Hello everyone,
I’m deeply committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for my son. This commitment has led me to reflect on the broader importance of stable housing, not just for my family but for all families. My work with the Healing and Justice Center (HJC) tenant hotline has given me firsthand experience of the severe lack of safe and healthy housing, which has impacted me directly. I want to share my perspective on how housing stability is essential for both children and adults.
Having a secure and stable home significantly impacts both children and adults. It's not just about having a physical shelter; it's crucial for our mental well-being. A stable home provides a sense of security that can greatly influence our mental state. Without this stability, people can experience increased stress and anxiety, which negatively affects overall health. Additionally, the quality of our living conditions directly affects our physical and emotional well-being. Poor housing conditions, such as exposure to harmful environments or overcrowding, can lead to long-term health issues, including respiratory problems and chronic stress.
Residing in Mexico has allowed us to enjoy lower housing costs compared to the United States, which is helpful given the economic pressures many face today. However, living in a major tourist destination still means a high cost of living compared to other parts of Mexico. This stark contrast in housing affordability highlights the global challenge of finding adequate housing without compromising other financial obligations. This challenge is common in both Mexico and the U.S.
The inflation rate has risen sharply, mirroring trends seen in the U.S., making the problem worse. Even with lower rent, the overall cost of living continues to climb, squeezing budgets and making affordable housing less accessible for many. Just as in the U.S., many people in Mexico are forced to rent out rooms to lower costs or have too many people living under one roof. During my time working for our Tenant Hotline, I often encountered families where five people would share one room or live in uninhabitable homes, afraid to request maintenance for fear of eviction.
In my experience in Mexico, there have been times when I wanted to educate myself, possibly know the protections where I lived or know what my rights are as a tenant, but no one seemed able to direct me. Everywhere I called or went to, everyone was dismissive and looked at me like I was crazy. Unfortunately, it was a dead end for me.
Advocating for Tenant Protections: A Shared Challenge
Both in the U.S. and Mexico, there is a significant lack of tenant protections. In Mexico, the situation is worsened by corruption, which prevents government funding and resources from reaching those most in need of housing assistance. Corruption in both Mexico and the U.S. erodes trust in the system and hinders the effective implementation of projects intended to improve housing stability.
In the U.S., however, there are more opportunities to advocate for housing stability. Do not be discouraged by propaganda; whether it has a huge impact or a small one, your voice will make a difference. Getting involved and advocating for yourself and your community is key.
How You Can Make a Difference
Join Local Tenant Unions: Contact your local tenant union to learn about your rights and how you can get involved in advocacy efforts. These organizations often provide resources and support for tenants facing housing issues.
Participate in Coalitions: Look for local and statewide coalitions that advocate for tenant protections, fair housing legislation, and local ordinances. Your participation can amplify the collective voice for change.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the issues affecting housing stability in your area. Share this knowledge with your neighbors and community to build a stronger, more informed network of advocates.
Attend Public Meetings: Many local governments hold public meetings where housing policies are discussed. Attending these meetings and voicing your concerns can influence decision-makers and bring attention to important issues.
Reach Out to Representatives: Contact your local, state, and federal representatives to express your support for stronger tenant protections and fair housing laws. Personalized letters and calls can be particularly effective.
As someone who has experienced the challenges of securing stable housing, I understand how overwhelming it can feel. Remember, every effort counts, and together, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. Let's continue to support each other and advocate for the changes we need. Your voice matters.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your commitment to creating a better future for all. Let's work together to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.
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