My house is full again [View all]

I was feeling guilty about having empty bedrooms when there is a housing crisis here. Not enough options and many are overpriced. I joined a home share website and one posting caught my attention.

A Ukrainian refugee family, mom, dad, two tweener sons and a four year old daughter, looking for housing. I had three vacant bedrooms. It’s tight but they’ve moved in. I love the new energy. My crotchety old cat isn’t too thrilled, though. She’s not getting her normal 22 hours of sleep.

They sent the kids to Italy for safety right after the Russian invasion and only recently got out themselves and came to the US. Their stories of living in an active war zone are sobering.

Talking Heads lyrics: “Sound of gunfire off in the distance, I’m getting used to it now… You should know not to stand by the window, someone will see you up there.” popped into my head.

Looking for jobs, checking the kids into local schools for the two months before summer vacation.

I’m charging them $50/month to pay for the added utilities (showers and laundry).They’ll need any money they have and can save so eventually they’ll have their own place. I hope they’ll feel comfortable enough to stay for at least the rest of the year because I have travel plans and finding reliable house sitters can be a challenge.