Coming from a low-income family living in the city of San José, I have become familiar with the need for affordable housing. I have always been exposed to homelessness or needing help to afford a home to live in. My family and I have experienced homelessness first hand and have always opened our doors to others that needed a home.

As I learned how much affordable housing was needed and how many people in my community alone needed affordable housing I started questioning why there aren't enough resources? Why isn't the local government doing anything? Why are there so many new condos, but there are still so many on the street?

My questions brought me to the Bay Area Housing Internship Program (BAHIP) and throughout my internship, my questions were answered. I never even knew about the development of affordable housing and so I never saw my self in this field, yet here I am and I plan to stay.