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"Don't Forget the Rats"
- by a resident of Arthur Capper and Carrollsburg

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Before 1989, I was living in a regular apartment, but the rent kept on going up. I was a single mom raising two boys as an assistant at St. Mary's and I also help some other job for extra income. Each year the rent went higher and higher. I waited for seven to ten years before I got into public housing in '89. At my apartment I had met someone who was helping me pay my bills, because my rent would take up my whole paycheck. I left the apartment and was living with anyone I could. In '89 I got into public housing and so my rent was based on my income. I lost my job because I couldn't find anyone to watch my kids. Then I moved into the high-rise at Arthur Capper and got a job. I was able to buy furniture and clothing and stuff. Before we didn't even have beds for everyone to sleep on.


The building was in horrible condition though. The pipes and the wiring were all messed up. Oh, don't forget the rats. I left because there was a flood in the basement and they declared it a health hazard. They moved me, and at this time I was on public assistance so I wasn't supposed to work, but I did anyway's. After they remodeled Arthur Capper, I came back and got a three bedroom for me and my three kids, with one on the way. My plan was that I would stay here until I made enough money and then I'd move. I couldn't keep a job because I kept on having to take days off because of my kids getting sick. Right now I'm on public assistance and looking for a job. I'm trying to find a job that gives me more then my welfare. I had a couple of jobs that when I got the Paychecks I would cry because of the small size of the checks. I don't have any plans about where I'm going to go. I'm just waiting to see what they give me.

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webmaster@friendsandresidents.org | created: 05/29/03 (tk) | modified: 05/29/03 (tk)