TELL US YOUR HOUSING STORY: Rod, a Senior Living on a Fixed Income in Bend

Meet Rod, a senior on a fixed income living in Bend. While he loves living here with his kids and grandkids, he can’t afford a place of his own and lives with roommates. Instead of enjoying retirement, he’s burdened with anxiety, housing costs, and the dynamics of living in a shared house. Read his story below.

My name is Rod and I consider myself fortunate to live here in Bend with my kids and their families.

What is less fortunate is that, in order to be here, I have to share a house with two roommates.

As a senior on a fixed income, I can’t afford an apartment on my own. I’ve worked hard my whole life. I’ve always been able to provide for my family. I planned and saved for the future. Yet it’s still not enough.

While I should be enjoying my time in retirement hanging out with my grandkids and exploring Central Oregon, I’m burdened with anxiety, housing costs, and the dynamics of living in a shared house.

Things need to change and I hope to see policies that can help people like me more easily afford to live here.

We would love to hear about your experience with finding and affording housing in Central Oregon. Telling real stories supports our vision to educate the public and our elected leaders on bold solutions that increase housing supply and lower housing costs in Central Oregon.

Please fill out the form below and we will reach out to coordinate on telling your story on social media and in outreach campaigns.

Tell us your housing story