My name is Christina Ludden. I’ve been sober for 221/2 months. I’m a full-time student at the College of San Mateo, and I work at the very place that helped me get clean, the Service League of San Mateo.

After surviving addiction, incarceration, and homelessness, I’ve dedicated my life to becoming an addiction counselor and helping others in recovery. I’ve done the work. I’ve passed background checks. I live in transitional housing. I am doing everything right.

And yet, I keep getting denied housing in San Mateo County simply because I’m a full-time student. No explanation, no appeal, just a box checked: “Full-Time Student.”

This isn’t just happening to me, it’s happening to others in recovery who are trying to turn their lives around through education. These housing policies punish people for trying to improve themselves. They are outdated, unjust, and harmful.

We’re asking Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash to change these policies and protect full-time students, especially those coming from recovery, homelessness, or incarceration.

Housing is a human right. Education is a tool for change. We should never have to choose between them.

Please sign and share if you believe in second chances.

#HousingIsRecovery #EndStudentDiscrimination #SupportSecondChances