Housing Public Comment from Tara LeeAimee Brunckhorst
From:
Tara Lee <hinestara@hotmail.com>
Sent:
Monday, August 22, 2022 5:44 PM
To:
Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:
EXTERNAL Public comment
Public comment:
I'd like to share my experience of looking for housing the past 3 years.
I am a RN at Logan Health. My position ( called PRN) requires me to work 9 twelve hour shifts
every 6 weeks. I can pick up more shifts if able, but due to having my kids 50/50 with their dad I
do not pick up shifts while I have my kids because they are still school age and need supervision
and transport to and from school. My yearly take home income is approximately $42,000. I have
been been monitoring home prices for 3 years ( after getting a divorce) for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath
home and have found none that meet my requirements.
I won't list all those requirements, but I am not asking for the moon. I refuse to be house poor.
Meaning all my money goes to my mortgage and I am skimping by on all other needs. So because
of this, I live with family who has extra room on their property and I patiently wait for a home
that I can purchase within my budget.
I also watch our short staffing crisis unfold at the hospital most shifts. I hear the stories of travel
nurses unable to come here to help us because they can't find a place to rent. And I hear stories
from RN's who have thought about moving here but can't find a place to buy or rent, especially
because the rate of pay vs cost of living makes it near impossible to move here and live.
Thanks for your time.
Tara Lee
Flathead Valley resident
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