FOR THREE YEARS, MY LANDLORD NEVER DEPOSITED A SINGLE RENT CHECK I WROTE—WHEN I FINALLY ASKED HIM WHY, HE PLACED A SHOEBOX IN MY HANDS

office, but my paycheck barely covered groceries.

Most apartments required security deposits, credit checks, references, and proof of income that I simply could not provide.

Some landlords stopped returning my calls the moment they learned I had a child.

Then one afternoon, I noticed a handwritten sign taped to the window of a neighborhood grocery store.continue reading …