I am a graduate student at California State University San Bernardino, and right now, I am unable to offer financial support to my family as I focus on completing my degree. Higher education can never be taken away, but the reality of our housing situation has made things incredibly difficult. After living in our apartment for 10 years, we received a 60 day notice for a no fault termination of tenancy. Even after exploring housing assistance programs, waitlists are as long as 7 years for some apartments and my father’s income places us just above the threshold for local affordable housing options. Despite being extremely close to those limits, there are no current safety nets available for families like ours that are still considered low income. We are constantly struggling to make ends meet, even at our current rent which is almost half the market rate. This puts us in an impossible situation to leave with conditions set by the new property owner - one month rent-free as required by AB 1482. This assistance is insufficient for us to access housing long term.

The funds I am hoping to raise are based on the cost of one year’s rent - the time I have left in my program. This would help us afford the market rate or a trailer home - whichever allows us to avoid a situation like the one we are currently facing. The support from this fundraiser would provide us with a sense of stability, similar to what renters in cities with stronger protections experience. Additionally, it would allow me to focus on my studies and complete my degree without the constant worry of housing insecurity that was felt so suddenly as I wrap up my first year.

Although this process has caused lots of uncertainty, I am committed to my goal of earning a master’s in social work. I look forward to giving back in the future - whether that’s working with families facing housing insecurity, advocating for local policies that protect renters, or wherever my path leads. If you are able to help, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, it would go a long way in supporting my family. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you have the means to offer.