I was a renter long before a housing provider, and I understand how deeply housing affects stability.
I grew up in a working-class family in Chicago. My mother emigrated from Guatemala. She worked as a waitress, learned English, and later became a teacher. My father moved from Puerto Rico as a child. He supported us for decades through long hours and layoffs at Navistar, a truck and bus manufacturer.
After years of renting, a lottery win allowed my family to buy our first home on Chicago’s West Side. That stability changed everything. I know what it means to rely on others for housing. I carry that perspective today as a Providence landlord…