Hard workers should be able to make a living

Growing up in a military family, I was raised to understand the value of hard work. We moved all over the country for my parents’ jobs in the Army, and I always believed in the American Dream my parents fought to protect. As an adult, I’ve tried my best to live out those values of hard work and discipline that my parents taught me. But despite trying my hardest and working full-time since I was 18, it feels like it’s just too hard to get by right now.

I’ve been homeless three different times, totaling over seven years – the hardest times of my life. I would bounce around from job to job just trying to stay above water, and it really took a toll on me. I found work wherever I could – as a nanny, in grocery stores, and in countless fast-food restaurants. My coworkers probably had no idea I was dealing with homelessness, but even when I was working more than two full-time jobs I could never keep up with the endless stream of bills.

To make matters worse, I have a lung condition that makes it hard for me to find a good place to work. Luckily, a friend introduced me to a new job as a security guard, and I can afford to rent out a bedroom in a three-bedroom house. Now that I have a solid job and I’m getting paid, it feels like I’m starting to get back on my feet. But still, I can’t help but fearing an unexpected expense that will force me back onto the street.

The pandemic has made it nearly impossible to save money for the future.

Lately, rising prices have led me to register for food stamps, cut back on gas, and even skip meals. I wouldn’t be able to afford my bills if I missed even one week of work, and I know I’m not the only one in this situation. I shouldn’t have to spend 90% of my waking time on the job in order to get by, and elected officials need to understand the daily struggle of working people.

Costs are rising, and wages aren’t keeping up. We need immediate action to lower the prices of everyday basics and raise the minimum wage. The Inflation Reduction Act was a great start and will definitely help lower costs in the long-term, but we need more help now.

There’s a whole list of things that need to be fixed but the government could start with another round of stimulus checks. This would help me pay for basics like my utility bills, which would give me some breathing room and relieve some financial pressure. Living in a desert can make water an extremely expensive utility, so I’ll take any help that I can get.

The working class is the heart and soul of the nation. It’s time the government stops treating us as less than human. We deserve the right to live without having to worry about where we’ll sleep at night.

Melissa Ward Johns lives in Paradise Valley and is a member of WorkMoney, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to lowering costs and raising income for all Americans.