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Story Archive

Story of the Week: Andre Carvalho

My name is Andre Carvalho and I am a resident of the Bay Shore Mobile Home Community, which is owned by Harmony Communities. I have lived in this community for nearly three years. I moved into a mobile home because it was the most affordable housing option available to me; nearly everything else was far beyond my financial reach. Even now, I am barely able to hold on to this home.

Over the past several months, I have faced significant hardship. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to work for three months. As a result, I am currently two months behind on rent and facing the very real possibility of homelessness. This situation has caused immense stress and uncertainty. 

Since moving into Bay Shore, my rent has increased every year. When I first moved in, my monthly rent was $800. In just a few short years, it has risen to $1,250 per month, an increase of nearly 60 percent. Today, I make close to $3,000 per month, which amounts to almost half of my income going toward rent alone. These increases make it increasingly difficult for me, and many others, to remain housed. 

In addition to financial strain, safety has been a serious concern. There have been ongoing issues with violence, drug use, and frequent police activity in the community. People have entered the property to fight and engage in illegal activity, creating an environment where I no longer feel safe in my own home. I strongly believe that residents deserve greater security measures and a visible commitment to public safety. 

Looking ahead, my vision for the future is simple and reasonable rent increases that are fair and predictable, so residents are not priced out of their homes, improved safety and security so families can feel protected where they live, and accountability from ownership.

Hopefully, with us working with community organizations, it will help strengthen and amend our local rent stabilization ordinance, to protect residents like myself from excessive rent increases and housing instability.

Matt Chapman (Waukee, IA)