Housing costs are out of control and it’s pushing young professionals like me to the brink. For many young professionals, the dream of owning a home is no longer the challenge.
Renting has become equally out of reach for so many of us, including here in Richland County.
Thankfully, Tamie Wilson who is running for U.S. Congress is fighting to change that.
A one-bedroom apartment can easily cost $800 or more per month, which is just not affordable for someone in my position who doesn’t make enough income to cover such expenses.
Despite working hard, I still can’t afford a place of my own, leaving me, and many other young professionals, to live in multigenerational homes with our families.
Not because we want to, but because we don’t have a choice: stuck between sky-high rental prices and wages that just don’t stretch far enough.
The real tragedy is that most rentals are falling apart: old, rundown, poorly maintained and often unsafe.
Yet landlords are charging sky-high prices for these dilapidated spaces, despite knowing of the desperate housing need. It’s disturbing and deeply unfair to ask for such high rent for places that are not even livable.
Corporations continue to purchase houses and apartments. And the rent just keeps raising. Some greedy landlords are turning perfectly suitable rentals into AirB&B’s. The rise of corporate landlords continues to be a looming threat for those of us with a desire to live a normal life.
We want to feel that we can succeed. To feel that you can succeed, get ahead, and exist without fear. We just want a place to call home.
Policymakers like Jim Jordan are turning a blind eye to this struggle; Jordan is not putting effort into making housing more affordable and equitable. In fact, he’s not paying attention.
But I’m holding onto hope. Tamie took the time to listen to hear us out and has pledged to address the housing crisis in Washington.
Housing is not a luxury – it’s a basic human right that influences every part of our lives. Tamie truly listened with an open ear. She knows that young professionals in District 4 are being squeezed by rising rent and stagnant compensation.
However, she didn’t just listen. She promised to act. Her plan focuses on making sure landlords are held accountable for providing quality, safe housing.
Wages are a significant part of the problem too. We need good jobs that pay enough to cover the cost of living, and that’s a big part of Tamie’s plan.
No young person should have to choose between paying rent and meeting other needs.
Her compassion and commitment to fixing things is exactly the leadership we need in this district.
The housing issue isn’t just about money; it’s about giving people a chance to live with dignity and stability.
By electing Tamie Wilson, we elect someone who is in Washington, fighting for us.
People like me want to live a normal life with a place to call home.
We just need someone to care.
Gerald Vega
Richland County Young Democrats