I had to bring this up to everyone’s attention because it is killing me… and that is my RENT! I have served my county for 21 years. I paid a heavy price physically and mentally. I gladly paid that price because I won, in pride for my county, friends and family who I love, and in memories and experiences that were amazing. I love my home state of Colorado and the beautiful mountains.
But. The pot laws enacted just a few years ago has made the rental market go through the mile high roof and it is criminal! I am paying over $1300 a month (not counting electrical and TV/cable) for a 2 bedroom 780 square foot apartment in a building built in the 60’s and no dishwasher! When I began this journey with this apartment, I paid $785/month plus fees ($100) in 2012 after spending over a year at a homeless Veterans group home. The freedom of getting back on my own was uplifting for a man who just lost his home,his service for his country due to medical retirement, divorce, homelessness and loss of vehicle. 2008 was start of bad times for me.
When I moved into this small apartment July 2012 it was the start of a new life for me. I had chosen it due to the distance and cost, from my autistic son. I had missed so much of his life during my time on the street or veterans home and it felt great to being able to provide at least that for my son again, to be close enough to see him and make him feel at home with me as his father, again. I would meet my current wife while in this apartment, bringing more joy and love into my life. Things were finally looking up for me.
But then it happened.
Marijuana was legalized.
Immediately after this law went into affect… my apartment owners sold out. New owners raised rent. Apartments around town sold out. The apartments started going up in the hundreds. Rents took off. My complex of apartments was sold again in 2014 and then again in 2015 and in 2016! Rent increased again and again.
I did ask for and did receive some reprieve from the owners of the apartments as I was a veteran and by pleading for help… but no matter what they did it wouldn’t help me as I am disabled and on fixed income. My pay didn’t go up 35% with my rent!
I am, at this moment, having to look to other states for a home. I have to MOVE away from my SON, due to “Market Forces” in the new marijuana state of Colorado! I am just 1 person of thousands, being forced to pay inflated rates just to live in this State!
I have over the last 3 years asked for some help from my Democratic and Republican Representatives for some help on controlling the rates of increases in the state, but received only “sorry to hear about your issue”.
It was suggested to me, that I create a state wide group to put muscle behind my concerns.
So that is what I’m doing!
I’ve created the Colorado Coalition of Veterans and Working Families For Rent Control on Facebook.
I hope this is just the beginning. Change is happening right now in our country. I need your help in getting rent controls put in place in this State! Get the word out. Send it to the President of the United States. Send out the word to Colorado’s Governor and Representatives that Veterans and Working families of this state are losing their homes and are under great hardships because of the rates of rents in this great State!
I can’t do this alone. I need help from anyone who can help me to draft laws and put pressure on the government.
As of this article… I have 3 months left here. I can’t pay anymore. I need help.
Thanks
apissedoffveteran
Thanks.
Mr. Christian Canada
C.D. Canada
TSgt U.S. Air Force Retired
462/2W1 Load Toad
Colorado Coalition of Veterans and Working Families For Rent Control
https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=account§ion=username
https://twitter.com/apissedoffvet
https://apissedoffveteransrant.wordpress.com/
https://cdcanada0917@gmail.com
https://www.youcaring.com/christian-d-canada-450968/donate#wp
apissedoffveteransrant 