Drowning single mom, spending 68% on basic living costs.

I have lived in Bellingham since 2006. I moved here with my husband and two children because my husband was transferred. We sold our house in Skagit County but struggled to find a new home at the same price point, so we waited to purchase a house and decided to rent. We found a great townhouse with a great private landlord. Fast forward 15 years and now I am a single mom with two amazing girls. I work 4 jobs (between 50 -60 hours per week) in an attempt to be able to pay the basic bills. In January 2023 my rent went from $1,100 a month to $1,700 because my landlord was concerned with the new policies that the city has started including the longer rent increase notification and the cost of inspections. I realize that my rent is still low compared to other places. I have been looking for a cheaper place anywhere in Whatcom country but all I can find is trashed places or studios for less than $1,700. It seems like the more the city does, the more rents increase...

My power and gas bills have increased. I decreased our trash pick-up to keep it affordable. Our basic costs (rent, electricity, gas, trash, phone, and internet) are $2,100 and my take-home pay (after taxes and insurance) is $3,100 so 68% of my pay goes to basic living expenses. I make too much to qualify for assistance. However, I feel I should quit 2 or 3 jobs and get assistance. That is not who I am. Despite no longer having my husband's income - I have no debit, car, or late payments. We don't buy clothes, we don't eat out, and we don't take vacations.

What do I want? Affordable housing! Basic, clean 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom places with parking for more than 1 vehicle. I want to be able to buy a house and not worry about our landlord giving us notice to "do repairs" or have the rent go up every year when my income doesn't keep pace.