Garden City Telegram in Garden City, Kansas

Renters squeeze in pricey Stamford amid housing shortages

In Fairfield County Connecticut, Simon and Jennifer Morris share a charity subsidized suite with four other families as rents rise. Public housing waits push them to shelters while they plan to move south to buy a home. Across the U S renters face rising costs, with Stamford needing over $30 an hour to afford a two bedroom. Experts warn about growing low income renter burdens as mortgage woes shift emphasis from buyers to renters. San Francisco teacher Meagan Devine and retiree Jose Morales illustrate how high rents force compromises and hardship even for skilled workers. Morales, paying $864 in rent, survives on $900 monthly Social Security with little left for essentials.