SPOKANE, Wash. – More residents are coming forward to share their concerns following the tragic death of a baby in an apartment building on the Lower South Hill. The conditions in the complex have raised alarms among those living there.
Misty, a resident of the complex, expressed her fear and desire to leave.
“Being what’s going on in this apartment building it’s not my life, it’s not my lifestyle anymore,” she said. Misty has lived in the building for nearly a year after being placed there by Jewels Helping Hands following a period of homelessness.
Despite her gratitude for having a roof over her head, Misty finds the living conditions far from ideal.
“It’s just very difficult to have to be a part of something that you didn’t put yourself in there,” she stated.
Misty, who has been sober for a decade and works in behavioral health, faces challenges in finding better housing due to her criminal history.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to live because of the background that you have,” she said.
Julie Garcia from Jewels Helping Hands highlighted the broader issue.
“The reality is there is nowhere else to move, so they’re stuck staying in these spaces that are not habitable,” she said. Garcia noted that Misty’s situation is unfortunately common due to barriers such as criminal history, the current housing market, and lack of housing vouchers.
Garcia explained that low-barrier housing options often do not require a criminal background check, but this comes at a cost.
“Affordable housing is scarce to say the least,” she added.
Misty is actively working with her network to find a new place to live.
“I’m hoping we can move soon but it’s not something that can happen right away,” she said.
Garcia acknowledged the poor living conditions but pointed out a potential benefit.
“The silver lining is tenants will have a rental history to show future landlords,” she said.
