Linda’s Story Builds Power for Bring it Home, Minnesota
The following testimony was first shared at the Bring it Home, Minnesota Rally at the Capitol on April 19, 2022. It has been republished with the speaker’s permission.
Hello everyone, my name is Linda and I am here to speak on behalf of the Bring it Home, Minnesota Campaign.
In 1996, I went through a difficult divorce. It had been an abusive relationship, and in the settlement my husband took everything. All my savings, retirement funds and more. I had worked my entire life as a nurse and a nursing instructor in institutions like the University of Minnesota, helping to educate caretakers in my community. But when my husband left, I could no longer afford the rent on my house.
I began to search for other housing options. I looked for senior housing and low-income housing throughout the Twin Cities area, but I couldn’t find anything I would qualify for. I had no other choice but to live out of my car.
I am diabetic and it was hard to find a place to store my insulin, which needs to be refrigerated. But I was lucky that it was summertime, and not the frigid temperatures of a Minnesota winter. Knowing the change of seasons was around the corner, it motivated me to continue searching for housing options.
Through the grapevine, an employee at Aeon found out that I was homeless, and he worked to get me into an apartment with the organization. But the rent, even though it was considered “affordable,” was difficult for me to cover on my own.
At the end of the month, I only had $300 left for groceries and other necessities. The Resident Connections team at the building eventually helped me get a unit that was subsidized.
Now, I have the opportunity to grow. I’ve become involved in volunteer groups, and I am proud to say that my group of friends at the property participate in various volunteer opportunities each year. For the first time in my life I can say that I have friendships
I also have a place where I can store my temperature-controller medication, and a place where my grandchildren can come visit me. I can host them in my own space, and I know it’s safe for them to be there with me. I have had the opportunity to get excited about my life again.
As a senior, my journey may not look like the face of homelessness. But here I am. I am only one person out of hundreds of thousands that experience housing instability due to health, domestic abuse, or mental illness.
With legislation like Bring it Home, Minnesota we can help those going through the things I did and make it easier for them to navigate housing instability. If it wasn’t for Aeon and my housing voucher, my life would still be in limbo. I am extremely grateful for them. They have been a life saver in the long run.
This legislation will change countless lives for the better. Senate Majority Leader Miller and Governor Walz, please meet with Bring it Home, Minnesota. Thank you!
Together we can ensure all Minnesotans get the rent support they deserve. Click here to learn more about the Bring it Home, Minnesota campaign and register for our next Rent is Due: Day of Action call to learn how you can show up for home!
