Tasha, a 29-year-old single mom of three, works full-time to provide for her family in Long Beach. Yet, after a sudden $400 rent increase, their apartment became unaffordable. Despite her best efforts, she found herself and her children sleeping in their car. Tasha’s struggle isn't a rare anomaly; it’s a harsh reality reflecting the wider housing crisis in Los Angeles, pushing working families like hers to the brink.

After hearing Tasha's story, we hope you'll begin to rethink assumptions about homelessness and housing instability. Recognize that many affected families, like Tasha's, are working full-time. See housing as a systemic issue, not a personal failure. Learn about local housing policies, understand their impact, and consider supporting affordable housing initiatives or local nonprofits. Reflect on how rising rent affects classmates, coworkers, and neighbors — not just 'other people.' Your perspective can drive change.