Like many Maricopa County residents who have seen the cost of their rent climb significantly this year, Brigitte’s rent was about to reach a level she was unable to afford. She was notified by the apartment complex that the rent for her unit was being increased by $200 per month, far more than she could pay on her limited income.
At age 84, Brigitte was facing the frightening prospect of having to move or make really hard choices to go without necessities to cover the increased rent cost. Exasperated after unsuccessfully searching for a more affordable place to live, Brigitte turned to the Maricopa County Human Services Senior and Adult Services Division for help.
Worried and stressed by the thought of becoming a daunting move or becoming homeless, Brigitte asked if Senior and Adult Services would intervene and call her apartment complex on her behalf. Her case manager made the phone call, explained her financial situation, and appealed to the apartment complex. Brigitte’s apartment manager agreed to reduce the amount of the rental increase to $50 per month rather than the original $200 per month.
Brigitte was relieved and thankful. She would be able to work the $50 increase into her monthly budget and could afford to keep her apartment. She no longer had to worry about finding a new place to live, moving out, or the most frightening outcome - becoming homeless. Brigitte has already signed her new lease and is happily staying in her home.
Brigitte’s story is just one of the many ways that the Senior and Adult Services Division of the Maricopa County Human Services Department is making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults in our community.
For more information on the programs and services available through Maricopa County’s Senior and Adult Services Division, visit Maricopa.gov/SASD.