Keith Ward

 For Keith, living on a security officer's pay means always knowing there are things you need that you can't get. It means no money to put toward bills or to devote to hobbies. It means no savings.

Keith receives no outside assistance. He doesn't count on reduced transportation costs or on government food programs. 

Like SEIU Local 24/7 members, living off a security officer's salary has severely affected the quantity and quality of food Keith can afford to purchase. On average, Keith spends around $150 on food, but there are months when he survives on $50 for food. He buys just enough to get by during lunch and be able to work his shift that day.

Keith also has to worry about rising rent prices and health care bills. His rent went up last April, as it does every year. Keith is lucky in that he lives in a rent-controlled apartment, but for a security officer even $20 more every month is too much.

Keith deals with many of the problems created by a lack of access to affordable health care. His doctor visits are few and far-between and he spends months, if not years, paying off routine preventive procedures like a colonoscopy. Dental surgery, which cost Keith $1600 out of pocket, has taken two years to pay off.

“The principle is that I am of age and I can take care of myself. I can't,” said Keith. “I need a colonoscopy and all I can do is hope that until I can afford it I will be fine.”