The sky-high cost of real estate in California’s Silicon Valley has forced a single mother of two to live in a single-car garage for $1,000 a month.
The 250 square foot converted space has hardwood floors and a small bathroom with a standing shower.
“I live in a garage, and it’s probably more sanitized than most people’s bottoms,” Nicole Jones told CBS.
Jones moved into the garage after staying at a women’s shelter.
In a profile produced by CNN late last year, Jones said she lost her job when she was pregnant with her first child, and realized that homelessness doesn’t discriminate.
Jones said she makes decent wages as a bartender, but not enough for anything bigger than the garage. And the highly competitive rental market in the area made it even more difficult for her to find an affordable apartment in a safe neighbourhood.
The housing crisis in Silicon Valley is well documented, and many other media outlets have profiled the growing issue of employed residents who remain homeless in the area.
When CNN first aired Jones’ story, it gained national attention.
One Facebook commenter offered her a place to stay for free, calling Jones’ landlords “dirty opportunists.” But Jones said she is proud to provide a roof over her children’s heads.
“I don’t expect a pity party,” said Jones. “I’m proud of my situation. It’s not ideal, but it’s not something that I’m ashamed of.”
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