Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
My name is Pam Steimer and I recently experienced homelessness. I’m here to share my story. I want to provide you with view of how the lack of affordable housing is causing painful struggles for working people like me.
I’m a Pittsburgher, born and raised. I’m a single, middle-aged, white woman. And I struggled to find an affordable place to live.
My story begins 18 months ago. I was living on my own and working two jobs. But I was priced out of my apartment. Then, I couldn’t find a livable, affordable unit. So, I moved into a motel hoping that would give me enough time to find a place. But rent prices rose so much that they were out of reach, even with me working two jobs. And landlords wanted security deposits equal to three months’ rent – or more.
Most of my paychecks were going to motel bills. I wasn’t making any progress finding an apartment. I was getting frustrated. I didn’t want to go to a shelter. So, I moved to another motel. And then another. Until I had no options – I had to go to a shelter.
I went to Second Avenue Commons and lived in the overflow shelter – in the basement – for several weeks before getting a room in the year-round shelter upstairs.
I stayed at Second Avenue Commons for three months. At times, I was ready to give up. But the staff wouldn’t let me. They were wonderful. They provided supports to help stabilize my situation. They kept helping me, encouraging me, filling me with hope. So much so, that finding a new place to live became my primary focus.
This past month, I moved into an apartment in Brentwood. And I’m loving it. I’m able to cook meals in my own kitchen. Sleep in my own bed. Be surrounded by my own things. And be in a neighborhood where I feel safe and secure.
My employers have been very supportive. I’m grateful for the flexibility they’ve provided to me, including the opportunity to be here today.
Unfortunately, my struggles aren’t unusual. Many individuals I encounter every day, and many I met while in shelter, also are struggling with affordable housing. The problem is simple: we need more places to live where the cost of rent isn’t taking up half or more of our paychecks.
What I’ve learned about the 500 in 500 initiative gives me hope -- that stories like mine have been heard by our leaders. That more affordable housing will be available for working people. And that fewer people will be in shelters.
I don’t want anyone else to experience what I did. I’m here today because if sharing my story can help even one person have an affordable home, then it’s worth it.
Thank you.
