Tehachapi News

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This is in response to "is low income necessary?" I was so insulted by this letter [Judith Reedy, April 16] it brought tears to my eyes.

To answer the question, "What is so magical about low income housing?" The magic of low income housing is that law abiding, God fearing, single mothers like myself might have an opportunity to live on their own in a community they feel safe in.

I've lived in Tehachapi for over 15 years. My children know no place else as home. After being a stay at home mom for ten years, I find myself the sole bread winner for my family due to circumstances beyond my control. I receive AFDC (cash aid), Medi-Cal, and food stamps. I also work forty hours a week, and although it's not happening nearly as quick as I would like, I am striving, and working every day towards my goal of self sufficiency.

At this time, my three children and myself share one room in my parent’s home, and I thank God for it. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be able to "stay where I am;" I would be forced to move to a high crime area in order to provide housing for them.

Being low income does not make me a criminal, or trouble, I just happen to fall between the cracks. Now I ask you this — How many others just like me could be blessed with affordable housing in such a wonderful and safe community as Tehachapi? Not outsiders, but people already here.

–  Hedy Ellis Gutierrez