Community Voices

Sacramento's housing crisis affects everyone from middle-class renters priced out of desirable neighborhoods to millennials who may never be able to afford to own a home to NIMBY and YIMBY homeowners to homeless residents sleeping (and dying) on the steps of City Hall. There just aren't enough affordable places to live.

CapRadio brought wildly diverse residents face-to-face through intimate story circles to talk about housing, hear one another and envision the way forward. It’s an experiment in deep listening, radical hospitality and bridge building (Watch a video to see a story circle in action). Story circles also featured a mobile portrait studio where guests could share their hopes, dreams, struggles and solutions.

Explore what story circle participants had to say about affordable housing in California’s capital.

Home is a safe place to express my inner feelings. A warm and welcoming environment. A friendly fun place to gather. A place decorated to represent things that I enjoy and makes me feel comfortable and secure. I would like people to know that affordable housing is not rent control. Affordable housing according to the government doesn’t make it affordable for everyone. Denise Nelson #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:50pm PDT

Home to me means stability, love and family. Home is where the heart is! Ian Levin #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:49pm PDT

If I don’t have a home I don’t have a space for my family. Rent is crazy. If you have two working people, 2 mothers and 2 fathers who work. They have good jobs, it’s still going to be hard. #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento Charletta Miller

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:47pm PDT

Home to me is feeling comfortable where you live at. That you can call you own. Being able to come home after a long day of work and relax. I think some people don’t understand that the cost of living is high. I want people to understand that it’s not easy. #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento Lashay Hill

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:46pm PDT

Home is a place where I can feel free and safe. Where I can be myself. Most people don’t have proper education on housing. I know I don’t myself but I’m slowly learning. Misuel Garcia #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:44pm PDT

Home means to me somewhere I know I am safe. A Part time job won’t help you afford a house. Stephanie Sanchez #ViewOnHousing #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 26, 2017 at 1:41pm PDT

Home means a place where my family shares everything with each other. Sajana Budhathoki #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:29am PDT

Home is love, comfort, and family. Many people don’t know that there are programs to help your finances inside affordable housing. Jacquelyn Isley #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

Affordable housing is a public health issue as well a quality of life issue. This is a very complex issue because of all the players involved in funding and building affordable housing. Express support for building more affordable housing and funding that supports affordable to city, state congressional representative. Tyrone Roderick Williams #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

I feel some people may think we’re not educated or we don’t have the same worries as others. Talk to low income families around you and see how their world works so we can all start to understand each other. Rachel Hughes #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

Home to me means so much. A place where there is always love and respect. It has brought independence to me. I think the majority of people don’t really know how public housing works. Andrea D. Scharnow #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:26am PDT

Home is a safe place for my family and friends. Most people don’t see that we are no different from them. Affordable housing helps low income families and single moms to be safe and move forward. Jasmine Singh #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:25am PDT

Accessibility to affordable housing is the vehicle toward equality in the Sacramento region. For those of us who have the privilege to feel safe and peaceful at “home” we should do what’s in our power to make that a reality for others. Alexis Armstead #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

Home is a family place with the ones you love. Others don’t understand it’s hard for some people to get back on their feet. Don’t assume what or who they are without knowing facts about the place. Sammarria Hightower #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:22am PDT

Most people don’t realize how many rules and requirements there are for low income housing, and how hard programs like section 8 are to get into and stay in. Many of the personal stories I’ve heard exemplify how vulnerable our friends and neighbors are and how necessary it is for us to come together to support each other. Get involved in your community and find ways to give back. Even listening with an open mind and heart and having compassion toward others. It might feel small but it has a big impact. Johanna Prucha McCarthy #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:20am PDT

A home is a place where you go where you feel safe and with your family. People don’t understand that those who live in affordable housing are people too. They are not less than or below others because they live in affordable housing. People have to leave the prejudice behind and actually treat people with respect. Jasmine Piring #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:18am PDT

A home is community. A place where people can succeed and support each other. People need to know what the affordable housing experience really is like and then ask themselves if that experience provides a path to stability. Phelan Sullivan #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

Most people don’t realize the need for affordable housing, right now. Conversation has already identified the problems. Now it’s time to put processes into place. Set short term and long-term actions into place. James Jones #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:15am PDT

Housing affordability is too broad a term, lumping higher income with very low-income people. One thing people can do about the situation is VOTE! Invite decision makers, heads of organizations, and wealthy people together to enlighten them about other’s struggles. Alice Newman #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircles #Housing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 20, 2017 at 11:14am PDT

Most people don’t understand that there’s only limited housing. We need more jobs to accompany the affordable housing. Jermaine Smith. Jermaine Smith #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

There are resources out there. You have to want them. I don’t mind helping others as long as they don’t mind helping themselves. Shon L. Bryant #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

It is not easy owning homes and taking care of your family, dealing with society, and dealing with the things that life has to offer you. Tim Hill ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

Home is where I lay my hat. Where you feel comfortable. I feel comfortable where I’m at, even though it’s a homeless shelter. Most people don’t understand being left without a bed. There’s all different ranges of people on the streets. I wish people would see it for themselves, and ask why these people are out here. And just have more knowledge about homelessness, rather than hear-say. Sandra Reynolds #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:59am PDT

Home is having a roof over our heads. A place to feel free, to get up, cook and clean. A place to be responsible, paying bills, buying groceries. A place for my four babies to go and get out of the heat. It’s not easy to get affordable housing. You have to get on a waiting list, you have to have an ID and Social Security card and papers to get help. Leota Canady #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:58am PDT

Homelessness is harder than having your own place. We want to have people be off the streets. Stubbie Barber #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento From (L) Stubbie Barber, Laraie Neely, Joel Rabe and Silas Marks

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:57am PDT

Home is peace and health. It’s easy to save $ when you don’t pay too much rent. We should allow tent camping for the homeless. David Anstrom #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:54am PDT

Home is warmth, comfort, and a different paradigm from how I live now. Dylan Phillips #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:53am PDT

Home is that place where you can lay your head down and know that when you wake up all will be as is--no missing phones, wallet, or shoes. Your friends are usually your tent mates, neighbors or a phone call away. Joel Rabe #ViewOnHousing #Housing #LoavesAndFishes #Sacramento #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 18, 2017 at 9:52am PDT

Home is a place to call my own and security. It’s a roof over my head and a place to sleep. Julia Chandler #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 4:00pm PDT

Home means a place with family where you are safe. I think affordable housing is a right and it should be a right for everyone. Jessica Cuevas #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:59pm PDT

Home is security, safety, respite, sanctuary and community. I’d like others to know that people who live in affordable housing are just like me… and you. Anne-Marie Flynn #Sacramento #viewonhousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT

Most people don’t understand that affordable housing is for people like them but with lower income. We are not criminals, drug addicts, or scum. We are people who want to better ourselves and live in a beautiful home like them. Verna Ekpeduma #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

Home is my safe place. Where I can bring my grandbabies,and know all is well. The security a home brings is one that nothing can compare to. Most people are only one paycheck away from homelessness. Anna Davis #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:54pm PDT

Home is a place where you can hear the pitter patter of your kids’ feet down the hall and feel joy. Good and decent people live in affordable housing just like in your own neighborhood. Tim Choi #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:53pm PDT

I’d like others to understand that it is not because people aren’t working that they can’t afford housing. It’s because wages are so low and housing is so expensive. Individuals who live in affordable housing are hardworking, honest, fair, and generous people. Courtney Poole #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:51pm PDT

Home is a safe place for my family and a space to spend time with them. Rose Rice #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

Home means security. I have a safe place to lay my head and for my family to live, be safe, and grow. Most people have a misunderstanding about affordable housing. They think it is ghetto or for people who don’t care. Affordable housing is where you can live and be able to pay rent, utility and not stress about the next month or what you’re going to eat. Andrea Noble #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #StoryCircle #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:48pm PDT

Affordable housing is central to having a desirable community. People don't seem to understand that. One concrete action people can take is to get involved in a community land trust. These entities purchase and lease them to low-or-middle income community members preventing displacement. Adrain Rehn #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

Affordable Housing comes with regulations. If you don’t follow the regulations you suffer the consequences. We shouldn’t have to worry whether or not we are abiding by the rules in order to keep our home. Lisa Daniel #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:09pm PDT

More affordable housing can be built or refurbished if political will is strong and sustained. Meet personally with the members of City Council, Board of Supervisors, State Assembly, and Senate to advocate for mandatory low-income housing measures in all communities. Charlene Jones #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:08pm PDT

Home is a place to reflect my inner creativity. It’s a space to keep loving and sacred items. It’s also a sanctuary for rest and restoration. A home should be a space where we have the freedom to speak and be our true selves. I think one misunderstanding is that people tend to attribute "affordable" to people living at a poverty level. Deborah Thomas-Smith #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

Home is a place of unconditional love. It’s the essence that’s developed within the walls with laughs, kindness, joy tears and encouragement. Home is a place of comfort and acceptance. Home doesn’t disappoint, is honest, helping make you the best version of yourself. Adell Seibles #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:01pm PDT

Everyone needs affordable housing. It’s just that some can afford more than others. Affordable housing can be quality housing. Everyone deserves their own space where they can feel safe. Dee Emmert #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 2:00pm PDT

Home is a place of respite, trees, garden, insects, wildlife, friendly neighbors, and infrastructure. Mine would consist mainly of a 10-12 block radius around my home. Affordable housing has to accessible to a “mix” genders, ages, social status and economics. Everyone deserves to raise their family in a safe environment. Sharon Chandler #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT

I define home as a place of peace, whereby one can recalibrate and rejuvenate the spirit. Having a safe place to reside is incredibly important to be able to create and grow. This in turn is the basis of a strong community. Without the former, it is difficult to sustain the latter. One of the most misunderstood elements for the need for affordable housing stems from institutional forms of discrimination that only benefits a few. And “affordable housing” has deeper roots in balancing historic issues that impact many individuals in the present day regardless of ethnicity. Crystal Capponie #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:58pm PDT

Home means hope. Most people don't understand that without affordable housing there is no sustainability. What I want others to know is that it isn't how big the house is but that it is important that everyone has a home they can afford. We need to make it clear to the Mayor that there can be no expansion goals that leave the homeless and low-income family’s needs unaddressed. Toni Colley-Perry #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT

Home is a place where I can talk with my neighbors. We may have different opinions but we can have a conversation and leave that conversation having heard and understood each other’s opinion. We can speak to each other the next day. I grew up and grew my ideas, identity and values in Marcy Projects public housing in Brooklyn, New York. There I found a community of hard working parents who wanted the American Dream for their children. Even though many opportunities were not available for them at that time, like education and the right to feel safe. Deborah Pittman, retired professor #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing #916

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:49pm PDT

Affordable housing is many things. It helps a senior on a fixed income afford medical bills, prescriptions, and food. It provides safety for someone who slept outside for years. It allows working parents to raise their children in healthy and safe environments. It prevents someone who suffered an injury or financial setback from becoming homeless. Erica Plumb #Sacramento #ViewOnHousing #Housing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Sep 8, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

Affordable housing may make a new beginning for those who may not otherwise have been able to get housing for themselves and their children. Or help get a place to sleep until they could get back on their feet. Harold Garcia

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

The cost per unit to build affordable housing is very high. Most people don’t understand why that is Susan Lovenburg

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

Each day I wake up I have hope. Hope of a better life with affordable housing that is possible. Rachel Mendoza

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 8:02am PDT

Home really shapes the rest of your life to a major degree. Having a designated place to stay affords one the ability to focus on normal life matters and persuits. Where you are comfortable, secure + satisfied is critical! If you’re living somewhere where this is not the case, it really affects you negatively in all other areas of your life. Gary Moll

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 8:01am PDT

Affordable housing, it’s not easy to find. Regina Drake

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 8:00am PDT

Most People don’t understand that we’re not lazy people looking for free or a low rent place. A lot of us have worked very hard for decades and issues have occurred in our lives that have brought us to the necessity for affordable housing situations. James Thomson

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 30, 2017 at 7:59am PDT

Home to me means peace and stability. I believe we should educate the public on the issue of affordable housing. Uma Chand-Cato #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:08am PDT

Home to me is a place where you feel safe, warm, and loved. It means home can be anywhere. AnnQuinettia Bonner #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

Home to me means stability. A foundation built on security making a safe place for mental, physical, financial, spiritual and social needs to be met. Tameeka N. Knox #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:05am PDT

Home means everything to me. I would like people to understand that you can get help with affordable housing. Gredda Brown #ViewInHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:04am PDT

I would encourage others to look more deeply at individuals’ experiences. It's easy to judge people when you’re financially well off to say things like "why not find a better job?" Elisza Elias-Berg #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:02am PDT

We need more affordable housing that goes by your income. I think we need to lower the bracket and make more affordable houses that are quick and easy to access. Sandra Anderson #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:00am PDT

You can get affordable housing you just have to be patient and don't stop looking for help. Seek help get out and ask questions. Wanda D. Lewis

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:58am PDT

Most people don’t understand that affordable housing comes with guidelines and rules and it helps. It's a privilege. Paulina Washington #ViewOnHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:54am PDT

Affordable housing can be a platform to bigger opportunities. Carl Collins #ViewInHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:53am PDT

Home is not only shelter, it’s safety. It’s security and for me it’s peace. It is where I can go to escape the world or connect with the people closest to me. It is what keeps me grounded and provides sanity when the world seems crazy. Angela Tillotson #ViewInHousing #Sacramento

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:52am PDT

Home is not only shelter, it’s safety. It’s security and for me it’s peace. It is where I can go to escape the world or connect with the people closest to me. It is what keeps me grounded and provides sanity when the world seems crazy. Angela Tillotson

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

The lack of affordable housing is not limited to the mentally ill, to the unemployed (or underemployed) or to folks who may have had some other misfortune. Rich Fathy #ViewOnHousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:40am PDT

Most people don’t understand that the majority of the population that work a full time job at minimum wage CANNOT afford housing without sacrificing important things in their lives. Shana Munch #ViewOnHousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:39am PDT

It’s easy for people with disposable income to not see that the lack of affordable housing in America affects so many people, including families and children. I want others to see the systemic problems that prevent people from finding affordable housing and learn how to take steps in solving those problems. Joe McCurley #ViewOnHousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:36am PDT

Affordable housing isn’t just for homeless people. Affordable housing is for everyone to maintain a safe, secure place to be at peace. Kristina Calderon #ViewOnHousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:35am PDT

I think most people do not understand that affordable housing is not black and white. Each person has his/her own story. We all have very different paths to follow and the stress of living through this housing crisis should not be taking up such a large space on our journey. Housing should and must be a human right. It is essential for survival. Paige Madden #ViewOnHousing

A post shared by The View From Here (@capradioview) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:33am PDT

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