02/07/2024

A Record Number of Americans Cannot Afford Their Rent

Some lawmakers are scrambling to help

Single mom Caitlyn Colbert watched as rent for her two-bedroom apartment doubled, then tripled and then quadrupled over a decade in Denver — from $750 to $3,374 last year.

Every month, like millions of Americans, Colbert juggled her costs. Pay rent or swim team fees for one of her three kids. Rent or school supplies. Rent or groceries. Colbert, a social worker who helps people stay financially afloat, would often arrive home to notices giving her 30 days to pay rent and a late fee or face eviction.

"Every month, you just gotta budget and then you still fall short, she said, adding what became a monthly refrain: "Well, this month at least we have $13 left."

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Associated Press.