For too many people, staying in the Sarasota-Manatee area has become an unmanageable endeavor. Below, an assortment of local residents and workers have shared their challenges with living and working here on the Suncoast. If you have a story to tell, we want your voice to be heard. Please consider sharing your experience with us, so others are encouraged to step forward and community leaders see how important it is to find an affordable housing solution NOW.
“Being a nurse is so rewarding, but I meet so many patients who are struggling to survive because, even though they are working at steady jobs, they can’t pay for food or rent or utilities in this economy. It’s even hard for me to live comfortably because the cost of housing has increased so much in this area.” - Liz P. Sarasota
“As a business owner, I hire a variety of employees who work both in the field and in the office. Because potential employees frequently struggle to find affordable housing in our area, I lose people who would be a good fit for my company.” - Ron G., Sarasota
“I’m a teacher and love what I do, working with second graders who have learning deficiencies. When I moved here, five years ago, I could afford rent for a two-bedroom apartment. My rent has increased more than 30% since then. It’s very difficult for me to make ends meet.” - Nancy C., Venice
“When I was a boy, my dream was to be a firefighter. I made it. Now, I have three boys of my own and a wonderful wife. In order to continue to be able to survive in this economy, we had to buy a house that is a 45-minute commute to and from work every day. With the price of gas and the wear and tear on my vehicle, we’re really having a hard time.” - Richard B., Englewood
“I work in a lawyer’s office as a paralegal. Even with a college education and a good job, it’s hard to make it in this area financially. My housing now consumes nearly half of my salary. My bosses have given me a raise, but it’s not enough. They’re struggling too because of increased costs.” - Katherine W., Bradenton
“I’m a policeman, currently working in a city where police are not appreciated. I wanted to move here where I can make a difference. I’m on three waiting lists to get an apartment that I can afford, but I was told that it could be months before a place is available. There is almost nowhere where I can afford to live.” - Matthew L., Sarasota
“Want a really good plumber? I’m one. I have friends who are great electricians, painters, etc. Yes, there are jobs—lots of them—but several of my friends can’t live near here because the cost of housing is just way too high. It’s really hard to manage.” Dustin W., Palmetto
“When I moved here, there was a marketing job I wanted, but the salary was not enough for me to make it. I got the job I wanted and know that eventually I can advance in the company, but currently I have to work three part-time jobs just to be able to survive. I’m young but I don’t know how long I can keep up this pace.” - Lisa M., Sarasota
“I am a mechanic at a car dealership. I have a god job that pays okay, but I had to get three roommates to share a two-bedroom apartment just so I could afford the rent. It’s really crowded with airbeds all over. It’s tough to have to pay so much just to have a place to sleep.“ - Steven K., Bradenton
“I have a steady factory job that I’m really good at and have worked hard to build my credit score, but in this area, I cannot find a decent place to live. So I’m stuck at my parents’ house. I guess I’m lucky to have somewhere to stay, but I want to have a place of my own. “ - Patrick V., Sarasota
“I am a restaurant owner. We serve excellent food, but I cannot find enough people to serve it. It would help to be able to offer a much higher wage in order to entice potential employees, but with the cost of food and supplies having increased significantly, I can’t. There just aren’t enough workers who can afford to live here.” - Michael H., Venice
“As a medical facility administrator, it is my job to maintain an adequate staff so that we can provide our traditionally excellent services. However, it is becoming so difficult to find enough nurses, therapists, technicians and secretarial staff. The rising cost of homes and apartments in the area makes it very difficult for them to find housing.” - Hannah T., Sarasota