I am going to be part of the many groups of people who are struggling to balance the cost of rent with other essential expenses such as education. The high cost of rent is not just a personal issue but a widespread problem that affects millions of people. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an individual working full-time must earn $22.96 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment without spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs (NLIHC, 2020). This is far above the federal minimum wage and even the median wage in many states.

The future workers in our society are extremely dependent to recent living costs, these prices are damaging the opportunity to sustain a decent life. According to an article, Gen Z Can’t Afford the Rent from The New York Times, young adults from the ages 20-28 are spending over 30%-70% of their income just to pay rent. Young adults continue having to live with their parents because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. Unable to step closer to their dream, purchase basic essentials to live, and having shelter, the future of our society is at risk. 

The burden of high rents forces individuals like me into debt and makes it difficult for us to pursue higher education or save for our futures. This is not sustainable or fair. We are calling on local and national policymakers to enact measures that will decrease rent prices and make living affordable again. How can we provide a life to future generations if we can’t even afford life alone? 

Please sign this petition if you believe in making housing affordable for all, so we can focus on building our futures rather than worrying about making ends meet each month. This can be the first step to living an affordable society. We should have the right to stop worrying about being able to pay this months rent, to hold hope in our future, and to live a sustainable living environment.