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My Story: Sophia Thompson

[As presented during the General Session at the 2006 Housing California Annual Conference]

Sophia I am a resident of Glenn Elen Estates, which is a Sacramento Housing Property, and I've lived there for 14 years -- myself and my two teenage children.

Affordable housing to me represents stability. As a single parent, the increase of price in rental homes or apartment complexes means it's not feasible for my family to stay in a community. I wouldn't be able to provide opportunities for my children, including a stable education. So to me, affordable housing is essential. All of my neighbors and the community that surrounds me -- it is a vital substance for people to survive.

Today, there aren't a lot of alternative funding solutions. I had the opportunity to go through Vita, which was a matching program that assists in homeownership. I participated in -- and completed -- the program, however, because of the pricing of real estate, I still, at this point, cannot purchase a home for my children.

I am an advocate for affordable housing that leads to homeownership. I think it is essential. We need alternatives -- services and resources.

I am excited to sit on the Board of the Sacramento Mutual Housing Association. Sacramento Mutual Housing offered leadership training; it offered access to education and resources, including Mercy Housing's Vita program. Being an advocate for affordable housing is important. I will do everything I can to participate with other non-profit organizations to get the word out. Whatever it takes.

My kids have benefited from affordable housing. I've been able to provide them a safe environment to introduce them to leadership that's offered for youth. Affordable housing is essential -- just like every breath that we take.