During a recent government meeting, the New Jersey House of Representatives heard powerful testimonies highlighting the urgent housing crisis affecting residents across the state. One poignant story came from Claudia, a cleaner at Newark Airport Terminal A and a proud member of the 32 BJ union. Claudia shared her struggles with rising rents, which have dramatically impacted her family’s financial stability.

Claudia, who moved to the U.S. 20 years ago and has lived in Harrison, New Jersey, since then, is a single mother raising her two children, Angela, 16, and Angel, 12. She expressed her determination to provide a better life for her kids, but the escalating cost of living is making that increasingly difficult. After moving into her current apartment last November at a rent of $1,250, she was shocked to find her rent raised to $2,200 just a year later—a staggering increase of $1,000.

Despite her efforts to negotiate with the property manager, Claudia was met with refusal. She explored other housing options in her neighborhood but found that prices had surged across the board, leaving her with no affordable alternatives. Ultimately, she chose to stay in her current apartment to ensure her children feel safe in their community.

Claudia’s daily routine is a testament to her hard work and resilience. She commutes to the airport for her 6 AM shift, facing a two-hour journey home due to traffic. With no financial support, she bears the full burden of the $2,200 rent, leaving little for food and other necessities. Fortunately, her union membership provides her and her children with health insurance, a crucial benefit amid her financial struggles.

The meeting underscored the broader implications of rising housing costs in New Jersey, as many families like Claudia's grapple with similar challenges. As lawmakers consider solutions to the housing crisis, the stories of residents struggling to make ends meet serve as a critical reminder of the urgent need for action. The discussions from this meeting will likely inform future policies aimed at addressing housing affordability and supporting families in need.