‘Give people with disabilities options’

Editor’s note: Our “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” series shares the perspectives of Steele County residents who have faced affordable housing challenges. The interviews, which have been lightly edited for clarity, were conducted by volunteers with the Steele County Housing Coalition, which is working on local affordable housing solutions. 

Tracy Miles                                                                                            

What is your occupation? Disabled  

Do you have housing at this time? Is your housing affordable, safe, and large enough for your and/or your family's needs? If not, please share what is lacking. No, I am moving to a new space to meet my needs.                                                 

What would you like to tell us about your experience with obtaining housing that you can comfortably afford (30% or less of income)? I had to do a lot of research to find a place, and there isn’t a lot. I filled out applications. Worked with the landlords to try and qualify.

What has your experience taught you about homelessness and/or housing insecurity? Give people with disabilities options to be safe. I was homeless for several years. I had to live in a lot of places and move a lot before finding a safe place in Owatonna.

What would you like the community to know? I depend on resources to still make ends meet.