What does it mean to have an affordable home for Bobbie Cox?

“It means that I can raise my family while receiving my educational degrees” says Bobbie. Bobbie is a single mother who decided to go back to college in order to get a degree to help others. But, in California the struggle is real for students, families, and well just about anyone. She admits to still struggling to afford the “California Dream”, which for her includes pursuing her Master’s degree. But, because of affordable living she has a place to live while accomplishing her goals. The definition of affordable is different from anyone you may ask, but for her, it means simply – “to have a place to live”.

She says that the challenges that she experienced prior to living in affordable housing “were not what she ever expected from a mother who worked two jobs while attending college”. She could not afford to pay rent in San Diego County, due to the expensive cost of living. She was born and raised in North County, and currently raises a family there. So, moving out of state was not an option for her. Not only did she not have a home for about two years while attending Palomar Community College, she also did not have a home her first year of undergrad at the California State University of San Marcos. Affordable housing in California really does mean having a place to live, but it does not guarantee extra money or savings.

She says that she “still struggle[s] to pay bills and put food on the table while attending to my educational dreams”. Attending college is not cheap, and the higher your education aspiration, the higher the costs that are attached. I wake up every morning grateful to make breakfast in my own home because previously I did not have that ability.

One helpful change since living in supportive housing is the support she has received from the Leasing Office Staff and the Wakeland Resident Service Coordinator for Via Roble Apartments, Yesenia Resendiz aka “Yesi”. Yesi has been instrumental in Bobbie’s success and in her educational journey. Bobbie admits that she is a single mother who is not good with math, so Yesi has helped in tutoring Bobbie’s child. Bobbie claims that this “has been beneficial for both of us and my own sanity”.

There are also many different activities she and residents get to participate in because of Yesi. Yesi keeps things up to date and fun. For example, once a month, paint night helps me relax from the stress of balancing everything in her life. The after-school programs, activities, informational inquiries, and the occasional lending of Yesi’s ear have been the best part of living in an affordable home.

Now that she has an affordable home she is able to concentrate on other desires and serve in her community.

She is an active resident of Via Roble. She participates in many of the activities, but also helps with the many events that are held in the Community Center. This includes both set up and clean during events and activities, as well as helping with activities during events.

She also is currently attending the University of San Diego where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies with a dual certification in Leadership Coaching and Restorative Justice. As if all that wasn’t enough, she also volunteered to be a 2020-2021 mentor for students attending USD with the Mentor Collective program. She also is a SOLES Ambassador who helps Grad students understand what the university has to offer. As an alumnus of the California State University of San Marcos, she has applied to be a mentor for students attending the CSUSM. She enjoys helping students navigate the stress of working, helping their families, and trying to complete their education; which can be nerve-racking.

Bobbie says “as a First-Generation Student, I know the need for support and understanding that one must have to keep the fierceness in confidence to complete one’s degree”. With an affordable home Bobbie has been able to, as she says, “have a place to live”.