LIVING COSTS UP 20% SINCE PANDEMIC
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, living costs for Americans have risen 20 per cent. People spent 11 per cent of their incomes on food last year – the highest proportion in more than three decades.
In Lansing, more are turning to charities for basic essentials, even a place to sleep.
Laura Grimwood, director of community engagement at the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, said that since she started working for the organisation, the need for beds has risen from 70 beds per night to 244 currently.
“Everyone knows that the cost of living has gone up, the cost of groceries has gone up. It’s impacting us as well,” she said.
“So we’re helping people who are struggling to make ends meet, who have lost their housing because they can’t afford the rising costs … of medication, groceries, housing.”
About 20 per cent of the city’s population live below the poverty line, though this figure has decreased over the decade.
Such American families struggling to make ends meet could be critical in deciding who wins the race for the White House in a few weeks’ time.
For the Caldwells, cost of living and an expensive past few years will be on their minds when casting their ballots – and they said they will likely vote for Trump.
Tim Caldwell said: “He might not be the greatest person. He does say things that get on people’s nerves.
“I’m not sure I would want him to come over to my house for dinner, but I think he’s a good president … and a good businessman.”
