This is a fictionalized account sharing what many of our neighbors face in our community when searching for affordable housing in La Porte County. We hear stories like “Mike’s” very often from our community partners. Today, we want to bring light to this struggle.
Hey there, I’m Mike. I’m 34 years old, born and raised right here in La Porte County, Indiana. I’ve been working at the same restaurant for the past five years, flipping burgers and serving up smiles. I love my job and the people I work with, but lately, I’ve been losing sleep over something that feels completely out of my control: finding a place to live.
You see, I make minimum wage. It’s not much, but it’s honest work, and I’ve always managed to scrape by. But these days, “scraping by” feels like a luxury I can’t afford – literally. The cost of housing in our area has skyrocketed, and folks like me are being left in the dust.
Every month, I scour rental listings, hoping to find something—anything—that I can afford on my income. But it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack, except the haystack keeps growing, and the needle doesn’t exist. Studios are going for prices that would eat up most of my paycheck, leaving barely enough for food and other necessities. And don’t even get me started on trying to find a one-bedroom apartment that I can afford right now.
I’ve always been a responsible guy. I pay my bills on time, I’m a good tenant, and I take pride in my work. But none of that seems to matter when it comes to finding affordable housing. It feels like the system is rigged against hard-working folks like me who are just trying to keep a roof over their heads.
The lack of low-income housing options in La Porte County is more than frustrating—it’s scary. I’ve seen coworkers and friends forced to move in with family members, crash on couches, or even live out of their cars. Some nights, I lie awake, wondering if I’ll be next.
I love this community. It’s where I grew up, where my family is, and where my life is. But the harsh reality is that people like me—the ones who serve your coffee, bag your groceries, or care for your loved ones—are being priced out of our own hometowns. To comfortably afford to rent the average one-bedroom apartment in our area, I’d have to make between $20-$30 per hour. Right now, I make $7.25 per hour, and I work full-time, but it’s not enough.
We need change, and we need it now. We need more affordable housing options. We need our community to understand that a thriving community includes people from all income levels.
So, I’m speaking up. I’m sharing my story. Because I know I’m not alone in this struggle, and it’s time for our voices to be heard. La Porte County has always been a place where hard work and community spirit matter. Let’s make sure it stays that way – for all of us.
If you’re in the same boat as me, or if you just care about keeping our community diverse and inclusive, I urge you to speak up, too. Talk to your local representatives, attend city council meetings, and support initiatives for affordable housing. Together, we can make La Porte County a place where everyone can afford to call it home.