‘Without resources, I’d be struggling’

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. 

Valeria Cortez                                                                                                                                                                                                  

What is your occupation? Cashier 

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. Yes – Mobile Home; Need more space, they are doubled up.                                        

What would you like to tell us about your experience with obtaining housing that you can comfortably afford (30% or less of income)? Hard because houses and mobile homes are expensive. I used to live in an apartment, but it was hard to live in with kids.                                  

What has your experience taught you about homelessness and/or housing insecurity? If I couldn’t live with my mom, I do not know what I would do. Even with working, I need resources to make ends meet. Without resources, I’d be struggling.

What would you like the community to know? The hard workers, many of us are immigrants and have limited resources. My daughter watches the cartoons and asks why she can't have her own room like Bluey.