NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The high cost of housing is having a major impact nationwide, not just here in Nashville.
According to Make Room, a nationwide campaign giving voice to struggling American renters, one in four Tennessee households can't afford to pay their rent.
Nationally, 11 million families spend half their income on rent.
The Make Room campaign aims to shed light on the issue by hosting a series of private concerts at the homes of struggling families. This month's concert was held at Marlene Sigar's church. The mother of two says she spends more than 70 percent of her check on rent and utilities.
She was contacted by the Make Room campaign after reaching out to Rooftop Nashville for assistance.
"I actually wanna move but if you wanna move you have to pay more," said Marlene.
She pays over $700 a month in rent and said her monthly paychecks are $800.
"It's less than minimum wage," adds Marlene who's a part-time community college professor.
According to Make Room about 56,000 of Tennessee renter households pay more than half of their income on housing costs.
Female renters living alone are the largest group suffering from this housing crisis.
"Actually when I think about it, I say wow this is crazy. How am I gonna survive?"
For more information on the Make Room campaign visit, MakeRoomUSA.org .
