Cuestonian

Issue date: 10/12/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Michael Miller

Tough times make for even tougher situations. Just ask Kyle Munger, 19, who lives in what he claims is a "shoebox." Or even ask Kris Culbert, 19 who's found himself living in his truck. Or better yet ask Sam Woods, 21, a political science major who found himself homeless and crippled for three months.

Woods moved to San Luis Obispo to escape Fresno but was unprepared, shocked to find himself without a bed, a broken foot, and living on credit cards. Another one of Woods' friend was also living from couch to couch, so couches were not always a guarantee.

With a broken bone Woods couldn't work so he was stuck in his situation. But luckily he now has a permanent residence and supports himself with a job. Munger, 19, came to San Luis Obispo because a friend offered him month-to-month rent for just $200. Moving from a wealthy area of Northern California Munger never expected to be living in a nine-foot by six-foot space.

Like most college students Munger's parents cut him off financially when he left home, but after months of job searching he still had no steady income so he had to resort to his shoebox, which he now calls home.

"I work odd jobs on the weekends that I find off of Craigslist" said Munger. Luckily Munger's parents are helping him pay for his schooling, but that's about it.

When asked about his love life in his "shoebox" as he calls it, Munger said "Usually when I bring them in my room it's dark, but when they wake up they are like 'what the hell.' I'm embarrassed, but this is all I can afford right now."

Culbert has no real place to call home right now. He has been bouncing from his parents, sisters, brothers, or friend's house. He prefers to be near town where beer pong is.
"I could barely afford my books," Culbert said. Even with a job he said he doesn't think he could even afford a place to call his own.

Budget cuts are not the only thing impacting students. Every year students have trouble finding affordable housing. Woods, Munger, and Culbert are only a few of many students living in San Luis Obispo who have found themselves crammed with their wallets and their living quarters.

Finding affordable housing is difficult in this economy, especially for college students. Cuesta is helping students find the right doors to open in order to find cheap rent.

www.cuesta.edu/campus/lead/housing.htm is a link on cuesta.edu that gives students helpful hints on finding housing, rental agencies, what to look for when finding affordable housing, and much more.

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