Housing

Last year I volunteered with a wonderful organization – Isaiah 58 – their mission is to end homelessness in Rockingham County. Seeing first hand the work that was being done and being able to be a small part of that was both humbling and rewarding. They are doing an amazing job, but there is so much more to do.

The current median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rockingham County is over $1600 per month.  That doesn’t include utilities.  And with our current minimum wage stuck at $7.25 you would need to work more than 55 hours per week just to make that rent.   Seeing those folks that Isaiah is working with I wondered how they could ever get ahead – and the answer is that they can’t.  Democrats worked hard to pass a bill raising our minimum wage this year – and the governor vetoed it – just one of more than over 50 vetoes.  We need a veto proof majority to get critical legislation passed for our communities.  I am running because I know personally how it feels to live just on the edge of poverty and can only imagine how hard it is for those stuck in it.