In 1993 Jennifer Badot saw soaring rents in Somerville, a trendy city bordering Boston: “From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I felt a strong urge (ok, obsession) to own a home -- a place where we could raise children without having to worry about moving, rising rents and negligent landlords. Money was tight, so we bought a 2-family for the rental unit to help pay the mortgage.”
By day, Badot and her partner, J. Johnson, work in technology positions. Afterhours, Johnson plays in a funk/blues band with his daughter and Badot has a successful Tarot practice. Badot’s two boys partake in everything from art gallery showings by her eldest son to local Ultimate Frisbee tournaments. Badot explains: “We live near several nascent small businesses -- Craftworks where I teach Tarot classes and Once, a fabulous music venue where my partner plays music several times a year. We feel plugged in and part of the fabric of our neighborhood.”
Badot defines home as: “This is where it all happens: family meals, gatherings, arguments, tears, laughter, movies, card games... It's just like every other family -- shared space, food, laughter, grief, and a thousand mundane moments. Guests, who we welcome heartily, often comment how our home feels so warm and happy.”
When asked about middleclass dreams, Badot said: “I see myself as middle class, but I live paycheck to paycheck and have very little savings. I am blessed to have a decent-paying job that enables me to help my sons through college and keep this house going. I am committed to making our rental unit affordable rather than jack up the rent and contribute to what I see as a problem not just in Somerville, but all over the country -- that great divide between the haves and have-nots.”
From Boston:
Home is Filled with Heart and Art
Badot and Johnson Family, Somerville, MA
Jennifer Badot with Samuel Badot-Fisher by a painting in progress.
Julian Badot-Fisher and J. Johnson relax with Bette the cat and some spontaneous music.