In a city known for its bright lights and high stakes, Tyla found herself facing a darkness that swept across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus brought the Las Vegas Strip to a standstill, it left in its wake a trail of economic devastation that didn’t discriminate. For Tyla, a hardworking employee on the strip, this meant the sudden loss of her job and, eventually, her home.
Facing housing insecurity
“Everything was fine until COVID hit,” Tyla recalled. “I did everything I could to find other jobs, but it was impossible with everything shutting down and no end to the quarantine in sight. My lights started shutting off, and I wound up getting evicted.”
The day the sheriff arrived to enforce the eviction notice marked a low point in Tyla’s life. With nowhere to go and the world seemingly at a standstill, she found herself navigating a landscape of dwindling hope, joining the ranks of millions of Americans who faced housing insecurity during the pandemic.
The challenges of group homes
With limited options, Tyla moved into a group home that tested her resilience. “I was staying at a group home because it was the only place available,” she remembered, her face grimacing at the memory. “Everyone was clumped into bedrooms with bunk beds. There were a lot of roaches and scorpions, it was always dirty, and there was a lot of drama.”
Discovering affordable housing options
Just when things seemed darkest, Tyla stumbled upon PadSplit, an innovative housing solution that’s gaining traction in cities across America. The company offers affordable, flexible living arrangements that bridge the gap between traditional rentals and homeownership.
“I was looking at getting my own apartment, but everything required you to pay so much money upfront,” Tyla explained, her eyes lighting up as she recounted her discovery. “I was so lucky to find PadSplit because I was really trying to get out of my previous living situation.” To Tyla’s surprise, she was able to move into her PadSplit less than a week after learning about the housing solution.
A fresh start with coliving
Walking into her new PadSplit home felt like stepping into another world. The clean, well-maintained space starkly contrasted her recent living conditions. “When I found PadSplit, I was so glad. It’s a very nice place,” Tyla said, her relief palpable. “When I walked in, the place was so clean, and my bed was made with a nice pillow. They had even put in new rugs in here.”
For Tyla, this new space represented more than just a roof over her head—it was a chance to reclaim her sense of dignity and hope for the future. The amenities provided were a pleasant surprise, offering a touch of luxury she hadn’t expected.
Finding peace in unexpected places
“I was so excited to see that they had yoga mats here. It’s like one of those relaxing houses that YouTubers and influencers have,” she said with a laugh. This small detail became a symbol of her new beginning, contributing to a sense of calm and well-being in her daily life.
In her new home, Tyla discovered the joy of something many people take for granted—privacy. “While I share my PadSplit home with roommates, this feels like my own home,” she explained. “At the last place I lived, I had no privacy. I couldn’t even get dressed in my room.”
The security features of her new home have also made a significant impact. “I’m glad that no one can barge into my room because there’s a code on the door,” Tyla said. “I feel more safe in my room, and I don’t feel like anyone is going to break into the home.”
“I feel like I have the place to myself.”
Tyla’s found a sweet spot in her new living arrangement. She has roommates, but there’s no drama. “I don’t feel pressured to talk to any of my roommates. They all mind their own business, and I really enjoy that. It feels like I have the place to myself,” she said, highlighting the delicate balance between community living and personal space that PadSplit seems to have struck.
Building a financial future
With a stable roof over her head, Tyla’s now looking to the future with renewed optimism. “My goal is to be at PadSplit for 1 to 2 years and save up for my own apartment,” she shared. Her new home is just a short drive from work, saving her money on transportation—a crucial factor in a city where public transit options can be limited.
“I have a short drive to work and am now saving a lot of money on Lyft rides,” Tyla noted with obvious relief. “I also love how you can move houses within PadSplit on the website. I don’t have to worry about finding a new place to stay if I get a job in another location.”
The impact of stable housing
As Tyla reflects on her journey, she can hardly believe the difference in her life. “I was so fortunate to find this place. PadSplit has opened the door for me to get my own apartment one day,” she said, her voice filled with hope for the future.
The impact on her daily life has been profound. “I wake up every morning and feel so relaxed here,” she said, crediting both the comfortable living space and the peace of mind that comes with stable housing. “This has been the best living experience I’ve ever had. It makes me want to stay here for a very long time.”
A model for affordable housing in Las Vegas and beyond
Tyla’s story is more than just about finding a place to live. It’s about resilience in the face of adversity and the power of innovative solutions to address longstanding issues in housing affordability. As cities across America grapple with housing crises exacerbated by the pandemic, models like PadSplit offer a glimpse into potential solutions.
“If you’re not loving your current situation, you should definitely look into PadSplit,” Tyla advised her words carrying the weight of someone who has experienced both sides of the housing spectrum.
Tyla’s journey from surviving to thriving underscores a fundamental truth: when we solve the housing puzzle, we unlock the potential for individuals to build the lives they’ve always imagined. And in doing so, we don’t just change individual stories—we begin to rewrite the narrative of our communities and cities as a whole.
