Making rent in Silicon Valley

The promise of Silicon Valley’s gig economy can sound appealing - like freedom from a corporate schedule, opportunities to make any idea a reality... In reality, blue collar independent contractors at tech companies like Facebook and Google work long hours for low pay and struggle to make rent in an area where the average one bedroom goes for over $2,000 a month. Neha visits the Silicon Valley area to learn how gig economy workers are making ends meet in the most expensive area of the country.
We reached out to Facebook, Google and the security company Allied Universal several times for comment. Facebook was the only one who responded. Below is their statement:
Statement:
“Our vendor workers are valued members of our community. We are committed to providing a safe, fair, work environment to everyone who helps Facebook bring the world closer together, including vendor employees and contingent workers.”- Facebook Spokesperson
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Tech’s Invisible Workforce
wpusa.org/file...
Tech's top five now worth more than $3 trillion
money.cnn.com/2...
California's top court makes it more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors
www.latimes.com...
CREDITS
Producer: Neha Shastry
Camera: Ilie Mitaru
Editor: Michelle Pomeroy
Supervising Producer: Allison Brown
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Twitter: / bemeapp
Facebook: / officialbeme

[@nehashastry9386]

Thanks everyone for watching. Seeing a lot of people suggesting everyone just move. Sounds like an easy solution - but it’s not. Moving is expensive, quitting your jobs when you don’t make enough money is daunting, and trying to establish new connections in a place you don’t know is hard. I totally understand why people don’t move, it’s very complicated. Am so glad this story is getting the response it’s getting from our viewers, we’ll definitely be reporting on this topic more.

[@chineseslaves1971]

“No risk, no gain”. I moved from it, and I worked for wealthy companies. You may have to take cash from a retirement account but it’s worth it. Maybe if you are old it’s hard, but you have to fight for a better life when older.

[@hexodeci]

I have been a SF resident for just under a decade. There are a ton of issues that have caused the affordability crisis, but the main driver seems to be cities acceptance of tech companies, without the same acceptance for new housing units. The main issue IMO isn't that google/fb are paying their white color employees too much (a good thing), it's that the single family voters in CA act like a cartel, and vote every new housing unit down. Prop 13 has kept their taxes consistent, so their only financial incentive is to keep housing supply as low as possible. The first come first serve mentality of CA, and the NIMBY attitude runs counter to it's voiced acceptance of everyone (immigrants..etc).

[@IkeVictor]

Really liking the Nowthis World/Vice type of lane beme is in...there's a big hole to be filled from lean indie news sources like this. Keep growing and doing your thing. Hope you guys grow to be very successful.

[@calebpaddack7450]

"it's very complicated" lol not nearly as complicated as sleeping in an empty parking lot and working 80 hours a week. If you don't make more money than the average person, don't live in the most expensive place in the US.

[@8Trails50]

I’m extremely disappointed with the viewpoint chosen to portray in this video. It seems you took the easy way out by scapegoating big tech companies and their employees. Cause its easy right? Not everyone makes that kinda money. Lets hate the higher middle class. Instead of talking about the fact that city officials have made it very hard for any new housing development to start. What the hell do people expect when there isn’t enough housing? It goes to the people with money. The answer really is simple, build more housing in the bay area and build a highspeed rail. This will dramatically bring housing down.

[@SvenSapelson]

Developed world has for some time used this amazing invention called apartment building… Population density in Silicon Valley is so low that having a "housing poblem" is it's just ridiculous. You have urban planning problem.

[@smartyyoung7319]

Build more home!

[@NorseWinter]

@Bennett McCoyIs also an urban planning issue ;)

[@dogguy8603]

@Bennett McCoy i would rather have a bit of traffic but affordable rent and less homeless people

[@IllinoisTrafficAttorney]

The local residents who already own property vehemently enforce zoning laws to prevent this. The lack of land for expansion prevents new home construction. Unfortunately, it's just a problem of too many people wanting to live in too small of a space and the people who already own land they're having a vested interest against new residents

[@Cotonetefilmmaker]

it is actually insane that everywhere you look in Silicon Valley there is not a single apartment building.

[@NNichols10]

Making 100,000 a year is considered poor here in Silicon Valley

[@dt8587]

Yup. Sad reality. I make a little over that a year. And am thinking of living off the grid. Makes no sense to bust your ass off just to pay bills.

[@okhondaguy3288]

Wealth is relative my friend. You are richer than someone who is alive 100 years ago period.

[@iwrotethis4712]

@@yourhighness4746 read the pinned comment.

[@punkyagogo]

@@yourhighness4746 For real. Even in NYC, you can still live in relative comfort on a 100k salary. I can only imagine what it'd be like living somewhere way cheaper like Ohio or Texas on that.

[@bleedingred-white-blue8749]

@@okhondaguy3288 I don't think so, they had a happy home and family which is really hard in the greatest country in the world today.

[@reynaldo1209]

When I hear "Blue collar " worker I think of electricians, plumbers, mechanics etc.... And those professions pay much more than these jobs

[@rcppop3090]

Cirilo Ocon you’re goddamn right! 👍🏼

[@djavatar68]

No wonder so many are leaving CA. That place is ridiculous

[@jjman533]

Democrats need to stay in California. They are like viruses infecting the new state they move to.

[@junjungatbos3548]

Its just the folks who cant afford it that gotta go...if u got money, life is good out here..just stay away from the suckers too..

[@galindojuan1]

zadose I agree Im from Cali and woke up and switched sides now I live in Arizona going to say I’m much more happier here then I was in California for 30 years

[@galindojuan1]

@terminalcommand where to start I bought a brand new house for a reasonable price, gas prices are way cheeper, lifes a lot slower, way less traffic and don't get me started on my 2nd amendment. in all just way better.

[@johnyon123]

too many corrupted chinese money from china buying up properties. don't let foreigners own land; just like most of asian countries don't allow foreigners buying land.

[@cantbeatthebay4765]

As an SF native, it breaks my heart more than my pockets to see what's happened to our once beautiful city, full of once beautiful people.

[@drapermache]

Lived in the San Francisco area for two years in the late 00's. While tech companies were present at the time they were nowhere near as big as they are today. Even back then rent was ridiculous. In my opinion tech is only part of the problem. The real problem are the regulations prohibiting the housing expansion upward. Too many local don't want to loose the "charm" that bay area has and not be as "soulless" as New York City. The problem is that this isn't a deterrent for people who get tech jobs. Ultimately the people who push to keep from housing expansion are the ones getting displaced. Simply put, restrictions around upward housing expansion. People are displacing themselves out of houses in order to keep the "charm" of a city/area. Legislature needs to get passed to relax upward expansion. Increasing the supply of apartments would drastically drive down the costs.

[@DewTime]

drapermache you hit the nail on the head.

[@dangda-ww7de]

you cant build up because of earthquake.

[@8Trails50]

Tech was never part of the problem. But you are 100% correct that there needs to be more housing.

[@drapermache]

dang0088 that's incorrect. If that were true there would be no buildings in Tokyo. Also note that there are really tall buildings in San Francisco, but thwy are all business and not residential.

[@drapermache]

Gemini true, but the vibe from this video makes it seem that tech is nit blame, which just isn't the case. Tech has always been around the bay area since the 50's. HP was started in a palo alto garage.

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Excellent reporting. I'm a white collar worker that chose to live in a class B RV. It's my choice. I can't imagine being forced to live this way and having to care for a disabled family member. I look forward to seeing a follow up on this story.

[@nehashastry9386]

CoolCat Carolena thanks for watching. It’s such a complex and important topic. - we will definitely be reporting more on it

[@conformist]

More like very bad reporting. Tech companies are not the source of the problem, why don't they have any of thr rent-seekers on this video? The rent-seekers are the source, and those who prevent more housing from being built. Building more solves the problem. Not even tech employees and small startups want to pay so much for rent. Heck, none of the VC are probably happy about all their money ending up in frickin rent-seekers hands. The people who rent out provide 0 value and just makes it harder for everyone else. Build more housing and everythibg should be solved.

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Chestnutric3 "rent-seekers" ...you mean, property owners. Those of that work hard to buy land, put a house or building on it and either choose to live in it or rent it? They are called property owners, who btw, pay hefty fees in govt imposed taxes for resources that may not even apply to them (like schools when they don't have children, etc). I'm all for government supported homes, buildings and shelters for those that need them. But because we are in America, I'm also in favor of the freedom to own land and real estate and do as you wish with it (and the last time I checked, owning land, is a constitutionally protected right.)

[@conformist]

CoolCat Carolena Google "rent-seeking", but you're right that I'm talking about property owners. I'm all for the right of owning land and doing what they want with it. That's why I'm also for housing to be allowed to be built, which at the moment is very hard to do. SF is governed extremely badly, so it's probably will not be gpvernment who will build, but will need to allow anyone to build housing. After that, just wait and you'll see the big influx of housing by basic supply and demand.

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Chestnutric3 wow. Thank you for clarifying. After reading up on rent-seeking, I'm more in agreement with you. This is a very complicated problem. I'm thankful I don't live in California.

[@JennyWren333]

Rent up to 3500 month for one bed.

[@soulsreaper7145]

I watched a video the other day where dood was saying he would rent a tent in his back yard for 50 bucks a day, and he had ppl calling him from everywhere, the deal was to u get the tent and if there cooking in the house that day u can eat with them, u also get a exstention cord so all the electricity u want

[@jameslatimer1432]

Crow is this true you ive in AMERICA rents house prices ect can we trust this media newsxx,

[@JennyWren333]

James Latimer I never trust the media.

[@parkerbohnn]

You can pay in Chinese Yuan or Canadian dollars. Guess who all the owners are?

[@nickbowers7267]

Some of the figures I see in the comments are way out of proportion. I live smack dab in the middle of a bunch of tech giants in Sunnyvale, and the rent for the place I'm at is considered on the high side, in general. The rent is $3500/mo for a 3-bed/2-bath house that is pretty nice inside and out. My brother rents one of the individual rooms of a house in the Campbell area, and he says that even rent for the master bedroom is $1200. Go on Craigslist and look at the listings, and it can be seen that rent prices are much less than many claim. Sure, there will always be ultra-high-priced anomalies.

[@e-c-dia]

Never thought we would be at an era where someone with a job is homeless, WTF! What are solutions?

[@Commentator541]

Ride share is not a job. These people are simply unskilled.

[@tonyking6589]

Edwin Diaz learn how to play poker win one tournament

[@devinpeirce7152]

Edwin Diaz yes there is many people in that situation in LA

[@doom2avatar]

Start building damn homes instead of blocking all construction. Solved

[@user-le1rl5uz3v]

Someone who works over 16 hours a day!

[@LashanR]

Crap like this is why I'm glad Montreal lost its bid for Amazon's HQ2. It would've completely destroyed the city as we know it.

[@dannyg4137]

You were never going to get it. Amazon already chose their city for HQ2, they're just looking to play it against the others to see if it can squeeze out as much as it can.

[@MistressOP]

yup they were looking for a place they could play taxes against each other. "bids" should come with penalties if these folks don't meet expectations. these free take all the cities money and also use roads bridges, water, and everything else without putting in has to stop. cities shouldn't be bidding against each other. like this

[@DewTime]

Lashan it really would not have if y’all don’t have so many restrictions on development

[@itsallgood5314]

Lashan I’m hoping it doesn’t come to Austin.

[@DonCarlosDonCarlos]

I hope Atlanta doesn't get it, rent the last 3 years have sky rocketed, something that cost $700 is now $1200, plus 20k people moved here past summer, probably another 20k this summer. I'm almost done with college, I'm out of here next year its not worth it.

[@islandbee]

As someone who hates waste, that story of the security guard who said that tech company throws out all of that good food pisses me off. I wish she could name drop. Hopefully when she is long gone from that job she does.

[@LuvThyMind29]

This reminds me of one Thanksgiving where we had all worked 8-12 hours running around the restaurant without any breaks (an absolute shitstorm on Thanksgiving). At the end of the shift, there was a lot of leftover food in the window that employees were eating - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc...The manager stormed in and asked everyone if they paid for the food they were eating. And then ordered the cook to throw everything away (because our restaurant did not typically sell any of the items that were on the menu that day). His employees were forced to work overtime for him on a holiday (were not allowed to see family) and he couldn't thank them and respect them enough to let them enjoy a thanksgiving meal that would soon have been trash anyway....It was an absolute lack of care for the individuals that worked beneath him. This was in Sunnyvale (in Silicon Valley) by the way.

[@islandbee]

What's the name of the restaurant?

[@islandbee]

Donald Kasper - Really? One time I was strolling through downtown Sacramento and this wedding was called off by a runaway bride and they were inviting people off the street to come and eat the food because most of the guests didn't show up. There are many ways to give out free food in California.

[@DrunkenUFOPilot]

State law is colossal stupid. The food might be bad in some way that might cause trouble for the hungry? Not having food at all is much worse. I've heard of such policies since decades ago, in Michigan, Colorado, Florida... all quite stupid. The people who make and enforce these policies need a good whack upside their heads. Hooray to those who "enforce" those rules but let some of that food leak out to those who'd die otherwise.

[@maythesciencebewithyou]

It's basically every companies policy to throw away food, anywhere around the world. In Germany, a woman was fired because she ate a leftover burger from a company dinner, which was supposed to be thrown into the trash.

[@Servernurk]

I visited a friend in Sonoma, CA and she lived in a beautiful neighborhood but her house was this trailer-type thing, she paid half a mil for it and that was in 2005. I live in Houston where you can get 4X the house for 1/4 the price. It’s insane. We live in the age of light speed communication, no reason you NEED to be in Silicon Valley to work in tech.

[@mplayer1021]

Why is nobody talking about government regulation and zoning laws? That's why housing is so expensive! Because it's so difficult to build anything. A quick google, and it looks like San Jose has 350 pages of building regulations. This is not a failure of the market, this is a failure of government policy.

[@greatgibson0]

mplayer1021 paranoid as I am, I have a feeling that high property price must benefit someone who has the power to change it. Or it would’ve already been solved.

[@libertysprings2244]

It's expensive in most cities now because too many people want to live in the city now instead of driving from far out. Most places if you drive out an hour back and forth each day you can find cheaper housing, but I assume maybe not in CA since the mild weather is so much better than the rest of the country.

[@shanewillbur1325]

Liberty Springs its expensive in most cities now because cities will not adapt to demand.

[@mplayer1021]

Himself Lee Land is so much more valuable to me than city real estate. What do you grow?

[@aluisious]

You idiots whining about regulation...those regulations were not made for fun. It’s to keep assholes from putting up tinder boxes with toxic materials that will fall down in the next quake. Lack of construction isn’t due to regulation it’s due to NIMBY zoning. Homeowners are content, they’ve got theirs already, F everyone else. The moment an area is actually approved to build on there is zero difficulty for the builders to follow the regs.

[@TheModernInvestor]

Just imagine what will happen when the cabs, buses, trains, ubers and delivery trucks drive themselves and when supermarkets no longer need workers in them, a lot less jobs coming your way California !

[@sirjudge5055]

5th largest economy in the world! We're certainly NEVER going to be hurting for jobs. As Elon Musk recently msde a very good point of, when rethinking the Model 3 production line. You'll always need human labor to integrate with robotics and autonomous innovations.

[@fetB]

*You'll always need _some_ human labor

[@BrodieChree]

I love these 'Vestor Bros who are all "In the year 2000 cars will drive themselves and I will learn how to experience real pro-social human emotions!"

[@devh2018]

The need for jobs will just shift somewhere else the scare of less jobs always is brought up when new technology is introduced and it’s just not true

[@RealAmarSheth]

I think you've nailed it. This issue is part of a broader trend of disruption happening in society, in all sectors and pockets.

[@kamaboko1]

Whenever I talk to software developers outside of SF to consider moving to SF to work, I typically get the following response: "Ha ha ha ha...well, you'll need to pay me a minimum of $500K a year". It's truly an armpit there.

[@hepthegreat4005]

Couldn't pay me enough. I've got 600 dollars a month rent (room mate) and 70k a year salary.

[@Lapdogst]

Here I am working 40 hours of a week and at an entry level job and have a house and a disposable income that I can use to do things with. Oh, and I'm supporting my girl while she goes through University. I feel like these people should just move to a city where their skills would be valued more or where the price of living is much cheaper.

[@stephenshuman1]

Jacob Orton it’s not that easy, moving is very expensive, plus it’s hard to find a job out of state. Also people have to go where the jobs are at. People aren’t just going to leave if their is no incentive

[@hahtos]

Let's see what happens to housing prices in your town when an army of these guys moves there from Silicon Valley. Saying just move is simplistic and punts the problem to another place. California housing at places is so outrageously expensive because so many people wanted to live in these boom areas historically. This was exploited by big money real estate investors, and "old money" people who run the cities did not want to zone big apartment complexes to offer more affordable housing option. Also, the high tech companies should spend some of their billions and pay the blue collars a living wage, that would show some social responsibility.

[@Schamploo44]

@@stephenshuman1 so just stay there and continue to lose money?

[@littlelyndseylou]

Ultimately, someone NEEDS to do these jobs. If all of the service workers moved out of Silicone Valley -- if there were no security guards, no janitorial staff, no food service workers -- Silicone Valley couldn't function. Saying these people should move is focusing too much on the individual and less on the system, which NEEDS people in these roles for these tech companies to thrive.

[@Lapdogst]

It is simplistic. If your living in your car and barely making it. Move to a place you can make it. If people move from high density and high cost of living to low density towns across the US. It wouldn't affect much. As people wouldn't move to just one small town. That notion is ridiculous. Rather, the population spread will be throughout the USA. This is actually happening now. I'm from CA and we moved to the Midwest. I know many families from CA that did the same thing and many people are fleeing CA to escape the high housing prices, and cost of living. There is rather substantial amount of people leaving CA. I honestly don't care why the real estate market is the way it is, big real estate, old money, or zoning issues with the city. The fact is people can't afford to live there, why would you live somewhere that constantly puts you into debt and terrible conditions. Leave, that's my advice to everyone who is struggling there.

[@msmarisol14]

It's not just happening in silicon valley. It's happening in all America.

[@BrandonClark-StocksPassports]

VERY TRUE

[@86Corvus]

yep, morons being outcompeted by clever people, boo hoo... move, learn new skills, plan your home budget stop expecting others to care for you.

[@jg5488]

It’s because morons buy these houses that are outrages prices.

[@Sandlin22]

Not true very few are affected and 99% of them made poor life choices consistently

[@chitownbills106]

@Wrecked Gt Correct. Computers took most of these peoples job. Everything is automatic and we are looking for ways to make things easier to totally wipe out Human errors and existence.

[@MusicBent]

I lived in San Jose for two years as an engineer at a company that was focused on cost cutting. ( I made about half of the average quoted in the video.) The majority of my income went to rent and transportation costs. When the rent on my apartment was increased by 50% I was forced to move out and begin living on a friend’s floor instead. I consider myself lucky. For many people, a rent increase or other financial change can be much worse.

[@MusicBent]

The interview with the engineer who became a security guard was particularly interesting. People like myself graduate and move to Silicon Valley with the promise of a great job, and wages above other parts of the country. Instead, we discover that companies expect employees to work at least 50 or 60 hours a week to keep their job, and that the 20% or so higher wage we are given doesn’t nearly cover the $2000 /mo. housing. Teachers, firefighters, city workers, and other people who lived in the area before the tech boom are being evicted since landlords can make more money. And people wonder why there are so many homeless. It’s often financially responsible or necessary.

[@Poemi10304]

And tech jobs are often going to foreigners that move here from overseas or outsourced to overseas. Not sure if it’s people doing the hiring favoring people from their own countries, trying to keep costs down, or what. They’re not financially responsible though. They spend unnecessary amounts of money on travel and accommodations. They don’t spend money on what’s really needed - enough competent employees to get the job done right. Not going to keep good workers if you give them the work of 2 or 3 people and don’t increase the pay. They’re constantly firing and hiring people. You might have a job one day, but not the next. Very unstable.

[@ariellesmith5286]

I’ve tried telling my friends how horrible it was to live in the Silicon Valley even though I made more $$ than any of them. We couldn’t afford anything and went into huge amounts of debt to try to make it and that was only for a few years. We have been out for 2 years now and are still trying to make up for what the Silicon Valley did to us. People say “just move,” but it’s really not that simple. We got lucky.

[@VintageRS]

I have a friend that has a great full-time job and she lives out of her car. This is real people.

[@guilhermecunha6082]

we went from a society where a single person was able to sustain a family of four to this.

[@BrieoRobino]

A person still can with good life choices and a more affordable location.

[@neilt1352]

Technology was bound to make low skill jobs obsolete. It’s part of progress, so we have to adapt and gain other skills than driving a cab.

[@guilhermecunha6082]

Dr. Savage true, but can our societies really function, if everyone working a low income job is almost forced to move somewhere else because of rising home prices?

[@guilhermecunha6082]

NA T well tbh with you, I’m worried about this “progress”, because I only see the quality of the work environment and workers’ rights being diminished across all jobs.

[@neilt1352]

Society won’t break down from moving around man. I’ve lived in Florida, Nj, Va and out of country for a bit. That was when I was still in elementary-high school. The main issue is why do we still believe no skilled workers deserve the same income as highly skilled workers? We can’t piggy back people if they refuse to gain another skill. Plenty of people in trade school come out making 100k cause there aren’t many welders for example. Also in today’s society it’s better to have some passive income on the side. KZbinrs like techlead make 40k/yr alone from their past hobbies/projects. If these people in Silicon Valley invested in those companies when they were still coming up then they’d be making BANK now. But they lack the perspective and suffer the economic back lash as a consequence of their low skill work. Just because you work X hours doesn’t mean you deserve the same amount of $$ as another person who made better choices than you.

[@Servernurk]

We’ll see how long the economy lasts when big tech drives out the remainder of the middle class.

[@xxl96]

Tech companies are not driving people out - ridiculous liberal laws are.

[@jerilynbridges1740]

Nick B Wouldn’t bet on that! Our current economy thrives on an absent muddle class! It’s just the rich and the slaves! The north is the new Antebellum South!

[@Natedoc808]

Middle class Politico-economic refugees like myself are taking our very high demand skill sets elsewhere. There are many of us medical professionals (actual clinicians) who are fleeing in exodus due to the State doing this exact same thing to us that these tech companies are doing to their employees, except they are doing it through legislation that we cannot stop or overturn. I hope they like getting medical care from only the low wage immigrant docs who don’t know their ass from their ear; guess they won’t live long enough to regret it. Calizuela is done

[@F15ElectricEagle]

No worry. They will just get the illegal immigrants to do the works. Why do you think the social elites are so pro open borders?

[@kingphillieman]

@@F15ElectricEagle good point.

[@tary.n368]

The moral of the story is: Move while you're YOUNG and NETWORK like crazy. Moving is tough to manage when you don't have connections in a new place. It's also a big risk to quit your job after a certain age because people don't want to hire older workers if they can help it. If you can do it, move to a cheaper city, get a P.O. Box and start job searching. Godspeed!

[@Liitebulb]

Network does nothing unless you are the creme of the crop in your circle

[@chaitubhojane6137]

Lol I am just amazed by the amount people spen on food, eating out and clothes .... Any indian, asian will manage but not an American, no way!!!!

[@WVURxMan]

I'm shocked that they haven't tried to just pick up and leave with that sort of housing costs. Two people making $40,000 a year can live a somewhat decent, dignified life in some of the cheaper parts of the US. Granted, it's boring and there isn't much to do...but I'd rather be living in a house in the Rust Belt than on the street in the Bay Area. But if you are already living out of your vehicle...moving costs are sort of already greatly diminished.

[@peanutbutterchocolatecake6182]

WVURxMan Texas and Florida have the best priced houses for great quality. It’s worth it to live there unless your job involves coding.

[@orangeiceice12]

@@peanutbutterchocolatecake6182 my dad coded in tampa bay, austin is huge for tech too

[@blc0179]

But that $40000 job might not be available in other areas... that is the problem..

[@aluisious]

If you can’t make it on 80k in the Bay Area you’re an idiot.

[@JoseMartinez-bs8oi]

Well said! I live in AZ and we have a 4 bedroom house for 1200 a month in a very nice area. We live very comfortable. But hey some people just want to be living where they cant afford.

[@johnsprystaff9605]

Blue collar and gig worker are not the same thing...

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

I hate the gig economy.

[@RIPHitchens]

with other industries gone, these are the same blue collar workers working the gig jobs

[@mwilliams1330]

Security Officers used to be retired people looking to supplement their retirement. In the video I just saw a lot of Barney Fife's. The service they provide can be easily replaced. Form a union, makes demands, then see all of your jobs replaced as they sign a contract with an outside security firm.

[@WidarsHall]

That's why having a union isn't enough. You also need solidarity among workers, across employers, branches, states and countries. That's why unions have to be large so they actually have a chance in negotiations, and so their demands and achievements can affect as many employees as possible, meaning not just those working for one particular company but for all the workers in a specific working field. Forming unions, joining and supporting them is just the first thing you can do on the ground. Other necessary steps are voting people into public offices that will champion workers' rights so that laws can be passed that require certain things of employers, like open-ended contracts, dismissal only on at least a month's notice, paying living wages, paying for OT, proper insurances (including health insurance), a fixed and fair amount of vacation days, no repercussions for sick leave, PAID sick leave, PAID maternity leave, a pension, ... (and so forth)

[@AmyHewett]

I have a blue collar job, a couple gig jobs, and a union job.....and I am barely able to afford it here.

[@jermainelatimer804]

We moved our family from Oakland CA to Atlanta, GA. Their so happy that we did it, they can't stop thanking us enough. If you can move then do it. I understand that everybody can't just up and leave. Put it in GOD hands to do better for yourself.

[@Vikinggirl1679]

God's hands 🙄

[@jermainelatimer804]

@@Vikinggirl1679 that's right! Did I say something to offend you???

[@pureumkim5154]

Build more houses. SF has one of the strictest building codes...By having less regulation, developers will build cheaper houses, which will lower rent. Also, not living in CA, also an option, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada are much affordable. That is why a lot of people from CA are going to these states. Unless zoning laws are changed SF will have very very high rent for the foreseeable future.

[@photopicker]

In case you haven't been to SF it is OUT OF SPACE FOR BUILDING. Literally a structure must come down for another to rise.

[@LuisPerez-rf8of]

You have to have a lot of regulations in a state where earthquakes are common. You can't have someone buy a house that can't handle a small earthquake.

[@hkntns]

It's not regulation that is the problem, it's stupid regulation that limit housing.

[@dogguy8603]

@@photopicker ok and? Take down old houses and build high rise apartments

[@dogguy8603]

@@LuisPerez-rf8of most houses stood up to the 89 earthquake, and we have build affordable earthquake houses for decades, the problem here is supply and demand

[@blech71]

Our family left San Jose/Los Gatos in ‘89 after the quake. We moved main shop down to the high desert on the back side of the Sierras. The jobs pay pretty the same as Silicon Valley and I bought my house for 100k. I don’t know why people stay up there. Plenty of IT jobs everywhere that pay. My brother in law is IT back in Ohio and he makes just as much as he did in Silicon Valley and he now loves so well. There are solutions. Don’t get me wrong Los Gatos was beautiful but I don’t see why people stay. Just not worth it.

[@livelearn664]

People are scared of change....I live just outside the city of Pittsburgh PA and my rent is a lot cheaper than within city limits. My commute ranges between 15-90 minutes depending on where I'm working and traffic.

[@Magna808]

15-90 minutes? Where the he'll do you come up with that range? That's a ridiculous range. That has to be a typo. I couldn't imagine being in my car from work for more than 30-35 minutes, let alone 90. Do you just turn off the car while waiting in gridlock? I'm sure there are back roads you can take. Your comment must be missing some vital details cuz I just find that timing ludicrous. 😤

[@tc2241]

@@Magna808 nope, I lived in a similar situation. I was 15min away, but my commute could fluctuate up to 75. All depended on what idiot did what that day.

[@slclos2534]

I agree. I mean, If your living out of a car or camper, Why not move somewhere else and find a better life. You dont have to uproot and pack up, your living on wheels.

[@chenihan]

I think the point of this film isn’t addressing people with IT job, those are the ones that drive the rent up. It’s addressing the blue collar, people who feed, babysit, teach, nurse the IT, how they cannot survive in the same city, how they are pushed out by the newcomers. The growth in the Bay Area has benefitted many, which is unfortunately built on the top of many natives and bad politics. I left the Silicon Valley because most people who can afford to live there gross me out.

[@Qeisama]

As a lecturer, I've been saving money like crazy because I was afraid of becoming a working homeless. 3yrs ago the realization of being homeless dawned on me because of the housing prices and I'm still living in fear of the future up til now. This video made me realize that my fear is indeed real. Time to crank up my savings.

[@vladimircharpentier7304]

That's crazy I live in Oklahoma and I make $17hr working in a warehouse and I rent 2bd 2 bath Apartment for $625 a month

[@noahname6695]

Where is it. I’m in California. I am not a democrat. I was once. I’d love a home.

[@kozmickarmakoala3526]

The part about these scumbag companies throwing out food actually made me rather sick and angry. Hard to stomach. No pun intended.

[@TheMachoGabacho]

Kozmic Karma Koala I agree it’s sad, but remember that California is also the land of lawsuits. If someone eats that food and gets sick then the company gets sued for millions of dollars. The only ones who truly prosper in California are lawyers.

[@jeannecheney461]

throwing out good food should be illegal with so many homeless people living in the area who could use it

[@brittanyleondike4823]

Used to work at Walmart. Easily 100 Ib of food through away at night

[@ilaser4064]

It's the modern day gold rush, a few people striking it rich whilst the majority struggle to survive whilst hoping they'll get a share.

[@marcosmercedesn]

Is hard to associate citizens of a 1st world country with this living conditions. Damn, this is no life at all

[@nikonieves7406]

To all the people asking “why don’t they just move?” Lmao it’s not as easy as “oh I’m just gonna move to Wyoming” like we barely make enough to live let alone save up some money so we can Actually move. When you move somewhere you need some kind of money so you can find a place and look for a job and that takes time. We can’t save up enough money to do that because our entire paycheck is going to bills. It’s not as easy as it sounds. And some of us didn’t chose to live in the Silicon Valley we just happened to be born here. This shit ain’t as easy as it sounds. It’s impossible to live here what makes y’all think we have enough money to save up and go somewhere else when literally everyone’s paycheck is going to the basic stuff we need to survive.

[@jdrichardson39]

Niko Nieves I don't think that. I know what homelessness is like

[@suminshizzles6951]

Grit your teeth and rent a house with others 3 to a room for 6 months. If you have family give the kids the rooms and then sleep on teh floor in the living room. Then gtfo

[@minabobina420]

I feel like most of the jobs that techies do can be done remotely. A lot of these techies move from somewhere else to work for Google, Facebook, etc. causing all the rent and homes higher because of supply and demand.

[@hamburgerboy]

I feel like most of the jobs that "working homeless" do can be replaced by AI.

[@minabobina420]

@@hamburgerboy Yea true, but just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

[@royevans779]

Spent about a year in that area and what's hilarious to me is the "gig" work is actually growing because there's more help wanted signs than there is help because the working classes are all moving away to more affordable cities. What are the tech dorks gonna do when all their favorite eats shut down?

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

As I mentioned before. i live in Mountain View, and I can't wait until this happens.

[@rackie866]

And there is nobody to teach their kids , and fix the electrics or cars or nurse them when they get sick ! It’s a ridiculous system that will implode !

[@weldon29]

Invent a robot to do that work.

[@aluisious]

It should happen, but it won’t, because an adult who is working at a Chipotle, or as a security “officer” is not the type to be analyzing their situation, are they? If the end result of working for five years is you can fold a burrito, you’re never going anywhere.

[@genwilson7741]

“Tech dorks” 😆 haha but yeah I’ve been thinking this too. I guess they are thinking that there’s enough workers for now and if it gets super low they will figure out what to do when that time comes 🤷‍♀️ but I’m thinking why don’t the workers just become roommates. They can have like 2-3 people in a one bedroom. Get a bunk bed and a let out couch. Beats living in a car imo.

[@ZeroX02c]

Not paying your security sounds stupid as hell. They're not going to keep you alive when you need them to if the first thing on their mind is how you made them live like a bum after working 16 hours a day. Hell, they might even join in the "party" and shoot you instead of protecting you.

[@xomox5316]

They would not have these issue if they did not vote for demoncrats. I only see stuff like this in communist run cities and states the conservative/capitalist part of America aka real America still has a strong working and middle class.

[@rikilamaru]

​@@xomox5316 um your logic is just as flawed as the left un regulate capitalism eventually become tyranny and this has happen before. Before anti monopoly laws were in place when big company h put competition out of business or bought them out. Jack up prices on everything and pay off politician to side with them or look the other way . And made the work work for penny's whilst hiring thugs to put down dissent.

[@xomox5316]

@@rikilamaru ​ communist always say the same thing. The supposed evils of unregulated capitalism!!!!! when others point out the total s hit hole dem/communist policies make. Dems are the party of monopoly, tyranny, and anti free speech in the end all left movements end in tyranny. Capitalism has its ups and downs but it has never resulted in what communism has.

[@rikilamaru]

@@xomox5316 no it proven fact maybe you should read some history

[@xomox5316]

@@rikilamaru the idea of free stuff from others work, ha it ends in badly without fail 120+ million dead last century caused by useful idiots like you giving governments too much power. But I'm sure in your fake history there are examples of it working. Capitalism is a natural wonderful system its brings the best out of people builds wonderful nations with plenty, its has raised countless millions out of starvation and poverty. Socialism leads to starvation and poverty there is not a single example of it working more then a generation.

[@levpaninlp]

The main problem is not lie salaries, or even evil corporate executives. The problem is the fact that the local politicians who rely on their house-owning constituency artificially prevent the construction of new houses. They do it through regulations, taxes etc. So the demand is much higher the supply. There is no real reason other than that. It is possible to build new homes, bet there are artificial restrictions that prevent it.

[@done1012]

Why do persons stay ? A job is not worth a life to death ending without happiness. Let the greedy fail and walk away.

[@davidchavez5418]

I moved to Oregon I'm paying 500 for 2 bedroom thank God I moved out California way to expensive

[@Nakura-dj8mg]

It's the same, you get paid a lot less in other states. I worked as software engineer in California and got paid around 85k a year I moved to Philadelphia and it's cheaper but I only get 60k a year for the same job, in fact the job is harder than the job I had when I was in California.

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

how much are you making tho? That's the big deal.

[@infectionSincross]

@@Nakura-dj8mg does cost of living also the same? the taxes? food? etc.. iam not from america. so i dont have idea. but here in 3rd world. even the rent are smaller in other region. but the cost of living , transportation are cheaper. and you can save more

[@xChromerSatanasx]

You must be living in the woods. Becauae portland is extremely expensive. Most of oregon is outrageous. Your comment doesnt make sense stop lying

[@davidchavez5418]

@@xChromerSatanasx nope not Portland i live in malin

[@mrtree1368]

Several jobs but lives in car prolly better off not being there . Go up to the north Bay drive an extra hour to work seems alot better than sleeping in ur car for years

[@twoweary]

Yes, anyone sleeping in their car for YEARS , has more problems than high rent . . Make a plan , and take action .

[@comsci2491]

You know what's sad is people who lived in SFO who made the city what it is, is being pushed out by new people working for tech companies.. It's not that old residents don't work. It's just that the rent and everything else skyrocketed which made the regular SFO native can't afford anymore.

[@MiroBG359]

Why are you feeding the silicon leeches? Get in your car and get out!

[@smooth247fyi]

I know, right? Sounds pretty stupid to me...

[@Domkica]

Frankiecoast you are haha

[@m3po22]

But watch out for red states. You don't want to go to those places.

[@vividhaiku]

I live in Los Gatos and struggle. But I made the right choices and my home is paid off. But my. Taxes and dues are still 2k a month. I feel for these people. I bought a truck and camper just in case! However you don't have to stay here. If shit his the fan, I'll take my cable and leave! I won't stay and slowly die.

[@neckarsulme]

property taxes run you almost 2K a month? No wonder that place is messed up

[@alexm5209]

@@neckarsulme You're not gonna like Lower Westchester (Bronxville, Scarsdale, Larchmont) then. Taxes are much higher😂😂😂

[@chillnspace777]

@Danielle Adair whats it like down there? Do u speak the local launguage?

[@far574]

neckarsulme taxes are usually 1.2% of the price. The home depending on when he bought it was (or is worth assessed value ) 1.4-1.6M bux. Not like he is talking about a 3k dollar house.

[@zardozqq]

@@neckarsulme is that 2k a month or a year ? 2k a month is insane high

[@leggiemeggie5837]

There is also a huge amount of people who commute 2+ hours (each way) from the central valley to and from the silicon valley .. EVERYDAY

[@PeeJayBrownJr]

People who live in NJ commute to NY, as well as people who live in the DMV area along with PA commute to different states every day as well. Many people do not live where they work. I don't understand how people think they are entitled to do so. Maybe instead of complaining about that to the companies maybe they should be talking to their local and state government about better public transportation to these locations that provide a huge amount of taxes to both the local and state level from the employees on all levels.

[@leggiemeggie5837]

PeeJay Brown Jr...one problem is the mass transportation .. The east coast is more prepared with this dilemma

[@PeeJayBrownJr]

And that's why I said they should be putting pressure on the local and state government to fix that or for these companies to help chip in to fix that. Where I work they provide shuttle service from secure satellite lots, even had a stop for the subway built underneath the main building. There are multiple ways to get around the issue it just takes people to think logically and not out of emotions and entitlement. That's how you better things for everyone. Because that same system that would be improved or built would benefit many more people and give them opportunity to better their lives. Better mass transit is better for the environment as well. Tackling multiple issues at one time.

[@AR-dr1sb]

you mean the hyperloop?

[@leggiemeggie5837]

PeeJay Brown Jr I couldn't agree more .. Definitely lots of work to be done

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I would just move. There are so many places that need people.

[@VondaInWonderland]

When I lived in the City I booked bands and managed a club. I had a room and shower in the club On Broadway, and had a one bedroom apartment by myself in downtown Oakland right by a Bart station. We can all make our own way, tech isn't the only way ♥

[@jjgangi]

Living in San Francisco working temp jobs (Uber, Instacart, waitress, janitor etc) will not be comfortable. Since you think moving is hard, I googled "city with most jobs cheap housing." Pittsburg, PA is #1 with 95,000 open jobs that pay $44,000/yr. Rent is $650/mo. I then googled "moving truck" and found a 16-foot truck for $2300. On Craigslist, I then found 3,000 temp jobs that require no skills and pay $20/hr. In 3 weeks, you can save up $2950 and leave. Why is that so hard?

[@angelicsoulz]

Jerzy J. Gangi You ever been to Pittsburgh? It's absolutely depressing. I'd rather live in Detroit.

[@Elena-er7zp]

Duncan Pinderhughes And your opinion is exactly why people remain homeless in Silicon Valley. I have a friend who was born and raised in NYC, left in his late 20s due to cost of living, moved to Oregon, and was floored that he owned a nice, big house by the time he was 32. He said he was happier and even though at the time he left, he felt forced due to circumstances, he missed nothing about NYC and the grind.

[@VenusRising]

Do you think you can save up to $2950 in 3 weeks working jobs that pay $20/hour? And still pay your regular living expenses?

[@gatorkissman]

Probably meant 3 months, that's a bit more likely. lol

[@murfnturf23]

But if you're living in a camper or a car, then no need to even rent a truck. Just pack two suitcases and take a one-way flight out there. Too many people have too many things holding them down.

[@Lumencraft-]

19,000 pr/yr is barley enough to squeak by on where I live in MO! Rent here would average more like 800 bucks a month for a moderate living space though.

[@MAjYQSammi]

That's what it is here in Arizona, too. :(

[@DaHobbles]

I am curious to hear about their total annual income these workers are making because the $19000/yr is just from one year. I get that it’s expensive there but knowing the median pay for these homeless would be incredibly interesting to know

[@thatcoolkidjoey]

Where do you live in mo where the rent is $800 do you live in a three-bedroom house by yourself?

[@jokerman213]

Exactly. I grew up in Southern California and Hawaii.. Moved to Kansas City Missouri for better cost of living and actually got a higher paying job.. Most places in Hawaii only pay you $10 to $13 a hour. Most people there work 2 and sometimes 3 jobs to make it. A lot people have also share houses with multiple generations to survive. Yes is paradise. But many people in Hawaii are making the hard choice of leaving to have a better future.

[@Lumencraft-]

thatcoolkidjoey. The website "departmentofnumbers" estimates state wide rent to be $771 in 2016. Where I live in Hollister if you are willing to live in an older building that is not well cared for you can get a one bed apartment for around $400-450. My son has one like that. Because of there being no insulation and some holes in various places his electric bill runs about $260-$350 per month though.

[@MrNiHof]

I don"t get it, why is there such a lack of housing development in that area? that should be the actual topic. This is 100% avoidable by doing better urbanistic plans. I guess there is pushback since no one wants their views blocked by 30 stories apartment buildings but nothing else can really solve this issue except doing exactly that.

[@CarlosRomeroconnect]

Niko ćurić 30 stories is actually too high where it would be more cost effective to have 2 15 stories. But Yes. Most cities in the valley are NIMBY friendly.

[@SuperDanny1016]

They want the housing prices to keep bubbling up that's why

[@richlandzee8686]

Stupid strict laws in California where they make you jump through hoops to build even a shed. Many big corporations got fed up waiting and left CA! Same thing with residential building permits.

[@AliasHSW]

In San Francisco, views are not protected (court tested) and I believe the same holds true in SV counties. It's just the slow moving mechanics of real development and public planning and land use policies. Often times it takes 5+ years to get through development planning, design, and construction. For example, Daly City, San Francisco's neighbor, 10 years ago held an open house for community input on a 20 year master redevelopment plan of its primary artery street. As of this day hardly any movement except of 3 new medium-high density apartments. The city cannot just come in and excercise emminent domain. This in itself would take years to resolve.

[@MotoroidARFC]

Take a look at a map of the place; all that water confines people. Add in governments making some of the remaining land places where no development is allowed. Then add all the bureaucracy that must be addressed; it's why new housing is high end because the companies doing the development have to have deep pockets to get through years of bureaucracy before they can begin construction. And that's assuming somebody doesn't plant a salamander on the site to kill the whole project.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

I still don't understand why people continue to live here, even if they can't afford it. Move to Las Vegas, Phoenix, etc. You can earn just the same amount of money and afford a roof over your head. Some people just don't want to get out of California because they love the weather. But how can you enjoy the weather when you are living like this?

[@jesusbalderas329]

Aristotle Kumpis The dream in their minds is group thinking. Is there better places in the world than California? 1000% Yes.

[@okhondaguy3288]

Do not worry. The SEIU will unionize the security workers. They will not work for less than 150k a year.

[@xomox5316]

They are stupid working homeless is a problem ONLY in communist cities they vote for it over and over

[@Talkwithtina808]

Sacramento is next door. Cheaper and a developing city !! These people just want stay to say they are living in Silicon Valley!! 😞

[@ronkegley6591]

I'm 45 years old, I had my first tax paying job at 16. I have had lots of different jobs, I even had up to 3 jobs at one time. I have worked for temp agencies, and this is were I think a big problem lies. Temp agencies started off, filling temporary jobs so companies could send there staff on vacation. But now temp agencies have taken on a bigger roll. Most companies wont even hire off the street and only from a temp agencies. So now you have an extra step between gainful employment. Creating a revolving door. As a temp you are paid less and not promised a full time job. Often employers will send a temp packing when they get closer to the 90 day mark to be replaced by another temp. So then the company dosen't have to hire them. Or some companies have so many full time employees, that they just keep temps around to cover vacations and absenteeism. While telling temps they will be hired as full time positions come available. I just think something needs to be put in place to stop temp agencies from being the middle man to jobs. Or at the very least some new rules put in place to help people. For example I think companies should be told they can't just bring people from a temp agencies in, that they need to hire from the street as well. Also if a temp is there for 30days, then they are to be hired to full time. Also I think companies should be limited on what can be called ( Supported jobs inside their facilities ) example cleaners, and security. If your company makes gold bricks and you pay your employees $50 an hour. Then you have a outside company send in people to clean the break areas $5 an hour and have security making $8 an hour that's not right. Every one is at the same job. Doing something helping that company to make gold bricks.

[@fudk_off1312]

Theres no way id buy a house, or stay in California.

[@splashnskillz37]

You think there is bad Try Rio 🙂

[@junjungatbos3548]

Could u even afford it?

[@Domkica]

I am

[@joshgallegos8544]

Texas is going to get expensive with all the California people moving in and illegal immigrants- I have nothing against immigrants, but Biden should give the country time for economic recovery and allow Americans to find stable employment. Good thing I saved up some money, but holy shit.... what am I going to do to make real income? I have no future. No security. It’s daunting. But I’ll make the best of it and try to learn something useful. I can’t tell you how much time I wasted with filmmaking; that’s the worst thing I could’ve done with my time.

[@jasonwilkins1969]

@@joshgallegos8544 I have my doubts. San Francisco is expensive largely because of geography. It's a peninsula. You can't purchase land from the ocean. The city can only expand South and it hit hard border. If you look at a map, it's not hard to see why real estate prices are extremely expensive in the San Francisco peninsula that has perfect weather and one major point of access

[@StevenFarnell]

I spent nearly 10 years working as a contractor for Microsoft in Seattle, and I had a similar story (with an entry-level white collar job)... I was better off than the people in the video, but I started at $12/hour... worked my way up to $21/hour... you weren't "required" to work more than 40 hours a week, but when it came time to renew contracts, those who took the overtime were chosen... my first couple years we would regularly work close to 100 hours a week (7 days), then be laid off with little or no notice... I worked one role for 5 years where I would be laid off for 100 days each year, because of some labor settlement, and then hired back on for the same job... Finally, I left the job because I got tired of someone in middle management making $120K+ with sweet benefits was getting credit for the work I (and my team members) got paid $30K w/o benefits to complete... I can only imagine what the service staff had to go through...

[@SevenRiderAirForce]

They should protest the government that made housing development nearly impossible. Housing markets are one of the best studied and least controversial areas of economics. These results are textbook. Sad to see the blind leading the blind here.

[@patricksaxon3983]

It is not the government's fault for the high cost of living, it is the greedy landlords that can raise the rent and there is supply in demand for renting. I bought a home through the government from the USDA Rural Development and I pay less than $600 a month for a 3 bedroom house, there was no down payment required.

[@SevenRiderAirForce]

@@patricksaxon3983 Landlords can only raise rents when the government prohibits their competition. Whole states of millions of people such as Arizona and Texas simply do not have this problem because the government does not block development. Landlords in those places are just as "greedy" as elsewhere, but have no power to get anyone to pay high rents, since people can simply move into the competition's offerings. So yes, this is unambiguously the direct fault of extremely well-studied government policies.

[@parkerbohnn]

In Vancouver Canada you can't even find a doctor anymore because they can't afford to live there. Every place the Chinese buy real estate turns eventually into ghost towns, ghost cities, ghost states and ghost countries.

[@LilyGazou]

parkerbohnn they own at least 75% of the real estate in Vancouver. I don’t recognize that city anymore.

[@tnebula2100]

Live ~13 miles from SF and the rent's ~$4,000 per month and many people are spending a good half their income on housing. Things where we shop are a bit more than twice what they cost for most americans, too.

[@InspireMe819]

Restrict foreign investors from buying property. Do that problems solved.

[@maythesciencebewithyou]

Not just foreign investors. But also locals. Nobody should be allowed to own a second home when there are people who live on the street. First time buyers are competing with well-off long time property owners. The property owners can easily outbid the first time buyers, only to rent it out to them to a higher price, with the expectation to have them pay his mortage off within 10 years, and then sell it to double the price. There should be a law that if a first time buyer competes with a second home buyer over a property that the first time buyer should always have preference.

[@latestsports-viralsportscl3971]

Yes, restricting foreign investors would prevent rich countries from buying up all our properties just to tax our workers with maximum rent. This is a solid solution to a very large problem that needs many other solutions as well. But that's a good one.

[@eshy-music]

Buying more than one home isn't the problem. If you want to invest in real estate that's fine, that doesn't change the rent prices. The reason rents go up is because the demand is much higher than the supply. It doesn't matter who owns the house or if they own another house as well

[@PimpDaddyStyles]

people having 2 homes makes the supply much less than the demand lol.

[@CapriciousCapricrn]

"I can not afford to live in the same neighborhood I grew up in and i make more than my parents." That says it all.

[@Mistaarnold]

Props to the guy in the purple shirt for having McDonalds coffee and not Starbucks.

[@cockatooinsunglasses7492]

Mistaarnold agreed

[@rahla53]

Meanwhile in Italy they are selling homes for only $1.00 so people can move in a remodel the property~

[@cloverlief]

This is Seattle too and not just the BlueCallar workers. I have been a tech working working my up through various options as a contractor. I was making 60k a year and rent shot up so fast 1200/mo-2800/mo for the same place. I went from having saving to losing out place in less than 5 years, and ended up homeless with a family for a year. Oddly there were no services for temp housing (even paid) while we rebuild. I had since moved to a much better paying job as an automation/validation engineer, but I still have to work evenings and weekends with Amazon flex just to make the rent and basic needs. No furniture (except beds and plastic costco tables and chairs), and a 10 year old van I keep up). Rent is near 3k for a 3bdrm apartment here. Due to merging with another family (who is blue caller) we get a 5bdrm for a little over 3k which is more affordable than a 3bdrm with just my kids. It is getting pretty crazy. The more I make the more the rent goes up. This is talking about people being paid better, however the more you pay the people the more the rent goes up. Minimum wage is 14-15/hr and as a results contingent workers and tech workers now make more and guess what the rent went up again. There are still tons of houses and apartments that I see which are vacant yet the rents keep going up. The more the wages go up, the more the rent goes up its a never ending cycle. Unions and minimum wage increases are not the solution. The more wages go up the more rent goes up. Its the way the market works here at least. Higher wages won't fix it, more housing may not fix it is either as I do see lots of vacant houses and rental units. The old unit I used to live in is still vacant 2 years later. I will say SF is worse. I went out there for an interview and was offered a job for 50% more than I make now with better benefits. However once you factored in the rental prices in areas with decent schools I would be paying more than %50% more (pay goes up and rent goes up)

[@omart36]

Are u white or asian if u dont mind me asking. Im a Japan's american wondering if u noticed any lack of diversity?

[@JoshSmith93]

I live in the UK so I have absolutely no idea of the realities involved. But my overwhelming question is why not get in that car, drive to another state and get a job at an established and nationwide-store? You'll likely be on better money, have lower cost of living, your own apartment and - if they're putting in major hours and going to these lengths to stay in Silicon Valley, does that not demonstrate a work ethic that'll help them progress up through the ranks of an established retail company quickly? I don't get it :/

[@dattape2828]

the weather in CA is good. that's why 25% of the nation's homeless are there. also, commie liberals give out welfare & free needles to drug addicts

[@Elena-er7zp]

I'm an American and California sells itself in movies as a dream state. The weather is nice, but it is not worth living in your car.

[@eshy-music]

These tech companies create jobs, I read somewhere that it's about 4 or 5 service jobs for every tech job. People want these jobs because there aren't that many jobs in other states. They come for the honey and get upset about the bees...

[@dattape2828]

EShy absolutely when you are making good money. Everyone else is out to take a bit out of you. Expensive rent. Coffee. Restaurant. Public transportation....

[@Fazzelgaming]

build a city outside the silicon valley and build a high speed train system to silicon valley and a public transportation inside Silicon valley?

[@CarlosRomeroconnect]

Mr. Turkey they hesitate to build any efficient public transportation.

[@Fazzelgaming]

I know america is doomed

[@Dailylilyful]

It's not about the company being there. It's about the white collar workers being there. Landlords know that the people who work there get paid a lot of money so they jack up the prices of housing. There needs to be legilation that protects tennants. In Germany, it's very hard to kick the tennant out or to make the housing more expensive. The hassle of getting a lawyer alone makes landlords think twice before they do it.

[@RijackiTorment]

Who pays for that development? What gets charged for the transit? How would you feel about a 2+ hour commute each way every day? (2+ hours is based on real examples that currently exist there) How do you prevent the stop locations and terminus of the transit to not increase their housing costs to meet "market rates" of what the low-end Silicon Valley employees can pay that's still above what many blue colour individuals can pay? There have been transit systems built to go out to lower priced inland areas. For example, the ACE Train runs from San Jose/Santa Clara to Stockton. The housing prices in each location the ACE Train stopped went up substantially as soon as it opened in 1998. Within a few months, it was over capacity and had to add additional runs. A year or so after it opened, there was a survey of the riders and the median income -then- was $85K. The cost of tickets + the rising cost of rent didn't make it as affordable for blue-collar workers who generally work much longer hours often over multiple jobs especially if you factor in a 2+ hour ride in each direction to the lower priced housing of Lodi and Stockton. I lived in Tracey while working in Pleasanton when I rode ACE, my ride was 1+ hour each way + buses or other transit on both sides. I rented a room in a house of a friend who had bought a house in Tracey. As soon as ACE opened, the value of his modest 2 bedroom house went up thousands of dollars without him doing anything.

[@alexfigueroa3549]

Mr. Turkey look up the California high-speed rail this could help with the working homeless problem but the reason y its not being builded is because silicon valley is surrounded by farmland and farms dont want a train cutting through their land.

[@ineedhoez]

This is crazy. I don't understand why people don't just freaking leave? I lived in Albuquerque, NM. Worked in a call center and made 13 bucks an hour. I had a 1 bd casita for 525 a month. I saved money effortlessly. I got a "good job," moved to DC, and made 28 per hour. Rent was 1700. I went backwards financially. After two years of stress and debt, I finally decided to leave. What's worse, I actually got 2 pay raises (totally 24k) and it still didn't matter. It just doesn't work. At some point people need to wake up and make moves. People get too attached to "salaries" but don't consider the cost of living. How the hell do you get a good job and end up broke AF? This is crazy. But you gotta get out. Just get out.

[@keeler1160]

I do have feelings for the people that work hard. But I have been a security officer since 2011. I have learned that security isn't a job for a living. It's a job for the retired or the college student trying to get by while going to school.

[@M80mayhem]

Sorry, I have no sympathy for people that try to make it SF and aren't getting by. They know the housing market there. No one in their right mind would think they can "gig" their way through living a life in that area. Moving is pretty simple despite what others are saying here. They just don't want to do it because it would mean living in "boring ass" Midwest like Missouri or South Dakota or Tennessee.

[@Magna808]

Why does everyone choose far off states? Did you guys forget the one's in between...Nevada, Washington, Idaho, not Utah!

[@davidnguyen2273]

There are different circumstances for everyone, I don’t think you can say just move. What about shared custody? Family? Community structures?

[@wendelllaidley3407]

Where are the six figure salaries in MI, SD and TN?

[@jmheavymetal]

Time to leave California people.

[@LuisPerez-rf8of]

You do realize this is going to happen/is happening in every major city. Automation is going to take over and we will have all these low skilled workers(like 70% of Americans) without jobs.

[@Molly_Belle]

I just moved here from New Orleans to be closer to family and I can't believe all of this going on. Rents are going up in New Orleans also, as investors are buying real estate then turning houses into air BB's. Everything is becoming to expensive for locals and are being pushed out. Minimum wage is still $7.25 and if you're in the service industry you only get $2.15. I worked as a Medical Assistant for a Cardiologist in a hospital and they only paid $10.25 hr. I'm back in college almost finished with Nursing pre-requisites. I plan on working for a few years, then I'm moving back out of state.

[@fainafaina8004]

no mardi gra for you anymore

[@mercurialsound7670]

@@fainafaina8004 go away

[@unluckycloverfield4316]

been living in silicon valley and even when I was making 50k i had to have 3 roommates and over 1/3 of my paycheck went to rent. I make a little more now but rent has gone up and now half my paycheck goes to rent. I've been saving up to move out of the area but I haven't found a job out the area yet aannnnnnd I don't want to move to a new city with no job and less than 1k in savings. that's not even the first/last rent I would need to move into a new place in most places. thinking about going van life to save up finally cuz i feel like I've been trapped here for 5 years.

[@gatorkissman]

You aren't trapped, it's simple.. sell off your belongings that you don't need and move. Find work as you go, and put in applications online it really isn't that hard. If you have a good reputation and resume, you will be an easy hire (at least where I live).

[@90kevin20]

Bro there are hotels everywhere for less than 1k a month you can pay weekly just leave. Get in your car and leave. Live in car for a week start new job. Get paid live in hotel till your set.

[@unluckycloverfield4316]

Lol doesnt matter anymore I gotta raise. Insteading of running away to live in some shit hotel in the midwest I stuck it out and now im making that $$$$$$$$$$ woooooooot! But seriously these were all great ideas so of this job falls through i will try that. Ive talked to a friend in Indiana who coild let me crash if need be

[@bretdouglas9407]

Van life would be recommended for your situation. Its a temporary solution that will get you ahead enough financially

[@lewisrashe831]

If you have good credit use a low rate personal loan and move to a cheaper state and city and get a job.

[@froglaps40]

This kinda reminds my of a new member to congress who got a job, and couldn't figure out how she was going to pay for housing.

[@krsvbg1989]

Why do people do this to themselves? You're living in your CAR, for crying out loud. Meanwhile, I own a 3bed 2bath home with 2 car garage for $130,000. The difference? I live in the Midwest. Jeez. This is just tragic. "Working" homeless just makes me sad.

[@r.a.m.7209]

Answer tiffany's question

[@krsvbg1989]

I'm in Covington, KY. Lots of great employers nearby. Close to downtown Cincinnati. Very affordable housing market.

[@Bruceillest101]

For all you blue collar workers that cant afford rent in Cali you should come to Spokane,WA. Rent is dirt cheap

[@PhilstoPhx]

I'm a strong conservative and stories like this bother me badly. The wage disparity between labor and management should never be this extreme. I've been a blue collar worker all my life, a cement finisher by trade. It's situations like this that originally created labor unions. Over time many of them have become just as corrupt as the corporations they are supposed to protect the workers from, in some cases even more corrupt. We are going back to the days of the robber barons but not looking back to how it was originally solved.

[@TheBatGuano]

There is a big difference between the "blue collar" workers this is about and a skilled tradesman like yourself. This is about unskilled labor, security guards and food service workers. They want the government to step in and impose wage and rent controls, instead of taking control of their lives. You can always say no to minimum wage and offer less for rent, untill someone else comes along and says yes.

[@drakedrive5094]

Phils to Phx you sound more like a socialist. I welcome you on over here :)

[@suyogv8235]

@@drakedrive5094 to be fair this was conservative before right wing politicians went full neoliberal.

[@jedics1]

This is becoming the story more or less at major cities around the world, its pretty sad that we live in perhaps the most affluent time in human history but for an increasing majority they can't afford to live where they grew up because overseas big money has come in and bought everything up as an investment and thats pushed up the prices....Of course this isn't regulated in anyway by the government.

[@maythesciencebewithyou]

overseas big money? Yeah, it's true that those who have profited from globalisation and you Off-shoring your industry, and buying cheap, have become rich enough to invest all around the world and take part in this Capitalist game of Monopoly, which the US has started, basically forced others to play. And now you whine, because you realized that you are getting the short end of the stick. Boo-hoo. Not that I like it, but it's not the Chineses' fault, for greedy short term looking Americans wanting to make quick bucks. Also, the majority of those who are investing in property as a speculation object are US Americans. Every American who has a second home, and takes part in this is equally at fault for causing this crisis. It's the greed of the people which lead to this. The sad truth is that given the opportunity, most of those who are now suffering because of this, would still do the same as those who cause their suffering. Americans, and also foreign investors, buying stocks of property investment firms are what drove this insanity. People are speculating towards a never ending increase in property, thus stock value. People with money let their money grow by letting people with little money pay for them. The Chinese, or other foreigners did not force you to sell your properties, you Americans are doing it yourselves, because you want that money. You (I'm not saying you personally) are basically scamming Chinese investors to pay ridiculous sums with ridiculous promises. All this shit was initiated from your side. What's worse is, that this is copied by many countries all around the world. The entire world economy seems to be circling around property investments. People are wasting most of their lifes working, just to get a roof over their head, so that a few can become obscenely rich.

[@darthutah6649]

Makes you wonder why tech companies are still in SanFran. Must be a really good working environment if the tech companies aren't just moving to LA where it's cheaper.

[@e.buchmann3663]

Stay Away From L.A. Go Away Don't Make Rentals & Home Buying Impossible Here, Even In Orange County, There Are Homeless People Which Was Un-heard Of But Now It Is A Reality!

[@karinec.2131]

LA cheaper???🙄😒

[@Nakura-dj8mg]

LA is slowly getting more and more homeless people. Also is orange county

[@Nakura-dj8mg]

@@karinec.2131 Believe it or not it's a hell of a lot cheaper than San Fran Bay Area. Like a lot. San Fran Bay Area is at the same level as New York City when it comes to rent and prices.

[@kingphillieman]

They stay because they can do what they want and get laws passed that have regular citizens pay for the infrastructure they should be paying for.

[@sierrahestum8007]

Just moved from South San Francisco.. worked for Stanford Health as a phone operator and was paid $27 /hr... just to answer a damn phone.. Jobs are there

[@flashgordon6468]

$27 hour is chicken feed.. That's about $55k a year

[@michaelportell]

Look at the DC area, they allow removal of SFH and build townhomes or highrise. It sucks that the city changes but in the last few years rent price increases are leveling out. NIBYs are causing people to live in a car just to take advantage of the high resale value.

[@ironmikesharpe3946]

The sad thing is that this will eventually happen in all 50 states.

[@bretttingelstad7641]

Only if people keep voting Democrat and eventually it will cause a revolt.

[@Domkica]

TheLifeBidder no idiot

[@ronrambo7834]

Thank god soi us whites can have our country back

[@community1949]

$2,000 a month for a one bedroom - wow people out there are taken to the cleaners.

[@patricksaxon3983]

It can be over $3000 to $4000 in Austin, Texas.

[@louiszhang3050]

Anyone who says "just move" doesn't understand what circumstances these people are in. Do you think it's easy to just pick up your life and move it somewhere else? The ignorance in people is just incredible.

[@capth00k]

And so the mass califorian exodus ensues...

[@parsizaban1]

If you live in your car in this town, you must love it and have enough fun that you prefer to stay.

[@darrylsmith3102]

Get the HELL! out of that State....

[@HJima]

as if it were that easy!

[@darrylsmith3102]

H. Jima Yes it is, Just pick up, Pack up and just leave Before it's To Late. By 2022 you'll wish you listened to me.

[@audioillity]

What makes it so hard? Can you not move to anywhere or any state in America? - I live on a tiny 9 by 4 mile island, we are truly limited, I don't see why you are focred to live in a city! If all the blue collar workers left you'd be forced to pay a better wage or see your city rot! Are you not in part doing this to yourselves ?

[@jevo7747]

DARRYL SMITH Where is it different? I drive a truck all 48 states every parking every every every parking lot I pull in to sleep for the night has multiple broken down or close to breaking down vehicles with people living in them. Where is it any different?

[@AutoGarageTV]

No, they should stay in their own damn state. They will replicate the problems in my state.

[@valaquenta220]

2:08 This man is probably at least 75-80 years old, and is forced to live in his RV after what's probably a life of work...this is just disgusting, he should be allowed to have a house.

[@rudystraight1750]

America, where u work ur entire life, just to pay bills, eat, so u can slave at work again the next day

[@homesicket.787]

right!!!

[@curtphillipps7830]

We are slaves to an economic system,slave ownership switched from the plantation owner to the big business owner

[@m.entera3196]

There were 2 billion people on this planet when I was born. Now it's 7.5, barreling towards 8. Projected to double in under twenty years. Planet still the same size. That's the problem fueling all of this.

[@Eugenepanels]

bingooo hence why population control exist and we need that here

[@Eugenepanels]

Jacob Ackerman Wait till i get into power my friend i will solve that problem i have a plan for that

[@Eugenepanels]

Jacob Ackerman lol yea thats a good idea i was thinking the sane tired of seeing my tax dollars being pissed away and severe consequences those who break it simple it will put a end to this nonsense quickly

[@Eugenepanels]

Jacob Ackerman hope so my brother its a dream at this point but u never know

[@tonymakhula8913]

Sounds like we need Thanos

[@mrstanbmw]

man it makes you thankful for what you have this ain't living

[@silasdietrich7464]

White collar engineers live out of their Vans and RVs also. Why spend 50k a year in rent when your home 8hrs or less a day and all amenities are provided at work (food, shower, gym, etc.)

[@brendanjames8234]

This story is gripping and the music is great. Who does the music?

[@OsaZain]

Brendan James I guess its Michelle Pomeroy

[@deadbeatbrad5484]

Anthrax

[@EricFullerton]

Darude.

[@bowlofweedies]

Brendan James i did the music in this video. I’m a computer designer

[@schrodingerscat3912]

Chumbawamba

[@therealhypehype5617]

Is it really the tech companies fault? Or the county with poor regulations on how much a rent should increase? I see greed from the developer to landlords.

[@ljpal18]

Both.

[@taiwoolaleye6333]

capitalism

[@sk8pirata]

Not the tech companies fault. Government thieves. Federal and state. That 50k they took from me, I could’ve used that for something.

[@fakih121]

Google should build these campuses in the Midwest where the jobs are really needed.

[@nightreapers3425]

Jamal Fakih Trust the original people of Silicon Valley like myself. We want the tech companies out of here bad. Half of them aren’t even from here other then yahoo who was the original tech company to be from here

[@celticwolf6102]

Depends what part of the midwest some midwestern states have a lot of jobs.

[@leandroleon3111]

Jamal Fakih no talent there, noone wants to work there.

[@babduda]

No infrastructure dude

[@gouravfromuk]

This is happening everywhere.Even in Bangalore, you're going to have this same problem. Permanent work from home can solve this problem to a lot of extent. Atleast IT and other service based companies can adopt this.

[@SinoCortez]

Don't get me wrong, it sucks to stuggle to make ends meet, but The Bay is one of the most expensive areas in the country to live in. Why don't you move to an area that you can afford to have a decent standard of living with the skills you have? I mean if you're out in the bay and don't have any tech skills you kind of are set up to live rugged. It's not these companies faults that you can't afford to live somewhere. At the end of the day it's up to people as individuals to get the proper education or training so they can find a job that can pay them a decent wage. Especially if you want to live in an expensive city like San Francisco.

[@LuvThyMind29]

So what do we do as students in the bay? I'd love to hear any advice/input.

[@marcain123]

These people need to understand when it is time to leave. They need to move to a place where they can live comfortably. Let's face it, prices are going up and these people's income won't.

[@MrGuitarguru95]

If government got out of everyone's business and let the free market do it's job, there would be a high-rise housing explosion as contractors scrambled to take advantage of the ridiculously inflated price per unit. The housing boom would, in turn, drive down prices because there would inevitably be a surplus after that much building an the housing shortage would be over.....the fact that these politicians can keep playing Californians year after year is just sad :/

[@StormAscendant]

Haha. No. Why build affordable housing when you can target investors who won't even live there, but simply buy for the high property value? Look at London, the demand for affordable housing is huge, but instead any new developments are snapped up by international investors who buy for their portfolio and leave the houses empty.

[@wpduke]

Retired now but throughout my life every time I ended up in a job I didn't like or didn't pay enough I moved on. Sometimes it was as simple as finding a better job and other times I had to get more education before finding a better job. It's all about self motivation, someone willing to accept less will surely have less.

[@geeeee8268]

Start with the question "who do you vote for?". It pretty much sums it up.

[@erikveston]

M O V E away from that place! Y'all *HAVE* to move.

[@becomeacodeher1282]

i agree , this is america. working and living there is a choice.

[@HuGenitals]

If it was that easy, this problem wouldn't exist. There are a lot of factors that keep you trapped in this shithole. Don't worry, a good quake will sort this out in a hurry

[@512TheWolf512]

the easiest way to become very rich, very fast is slave labor. which is EXACTLY what american big companies are doing

[@asaadb1]

no one is forcing anyone to work, people actually send resumes and interview to get the job then sign a contract with no one forcing anyone. then they call their mom saying "mom i got the job, i got a bottle of wine lets celebrate". the way to become rich in America and the world is to come up with great products and services that people, MILLIONS of people would buy. also, last i checked, slavery is illegal in the US.

[@budasfeet]

they are forced by the system which is created by people. No one does that blatantly anymore, but do you think these people are willing to live an unstable low paying gig worker life? No, they have to live, or they will die.they are for

[@lunadead]

Slave labor in the old times was provided with food, water, a house and a set of clothing (even if it's bad quality). This is just another style of slavery but instead of providing those, they only provide money that can't afford them a house.

[@aluisious]

It helps when your slaves have the right to quit but are too stupid to do it. I make a lot more than these people but I still had this frank conversation with my boss: the second it becomes unaffordable for me to live here I’m gone, and that’s more his problem than mine.

[@rydenhope3602]

Whether they own a home or not, making 20k a year is considered wealthy by much of the world's standards. Only when you have neighbors who are the top 1% of the top 1% does it seem like you have nothing, when your still the top 1% for much of the world. Nobody should be forced to work 80 hour weeks, that's ridiculous labour to make ends meet, but there's 50 states in the US, and these people are working in the most expensive one to live in. True, these expensive neighbors moved into their cities, so that's not on them, but it's far from being owned as slaves.