Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive

When her relationship with Travis ends, Stephanie worries about the effect moving will have on Mia. Though Stephanie and Travis have grown apart, Mia sees him as a father figure and feels comfortable in his home. Stephanie also struggles to find housing she can afford, as she only makes $800 a month, and most apartments in the area are close to $700 a month.

Desperate for money, Stephanie turns to crowdfunding, asking her friends to donate whatever they can. She feels humiliated and recalls an uncomfortable interaction she had with a friend when she moved into the homeless shelter. After Stephanie told her friend about all the different government aid programs she used, her friend snidely remarked, “You’re welcome […] My tax money’s paying for all that” (110). Despite her reservations, Stephanie receives support from some of her friends, including a hand-me-down bed and a set of dishes.

Stephanie finds a small studio apartment in Mount Vernon for $550 per month. After living in a spacious house with Travis, Stephanie feels disheartened by the size of the apartment. She accepts the situation because it’s all she can afford. Mia, however, has difficulty understanding why they must move to a small apartment.