Voices of Displacement: Stories from the Evicted and Resilient
Written on
The Beginning…
“Where will you stay?” asked an older individual to a seemingly indifferent young adult. “In my car, at a hotel, I’m fine,” was the response.
The older adult interpreted this as: “I’m living in my car and on the streets.”
> “Generally, the impoverished do not aspire to a minimal existence. They do not seek to manipulate the system or merely survive; they desire to thrive and make meaningful contributions.” > — Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
Medical Visit…
During a check-up, a medical assistant and I discussed current events: hunger, homelessness, layoffs, and job losses.
“My relative had a lease and lived in a house for four years. They moved from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in one weekend to become the guardian of their great-niece and great-nephew after their mother lost custody, only to regain it years later.”
After residing there for two years, they continued for a few more years, allowing their adult children to move in to help everyone stabilize.
Following a four-year lease, they transitioned to a month-to-month agreement, expecting to stay for at least three months. However, in April 2022, an eviction notice arrived, demanding they vacate immediately.
Despite being a reliable tenant, the landlord insisted they leave. Research revealed this leasing company had issued eviction notices to several tenants, prioritizing the sale of properties over the needs of renters.
The medical assistant shared her own story of receiving a two-week eviction notice after the property owner passed away. His girlfriend was managing the property but was unaware that he had never divorced his wife.
Consequently, the wife had the legal right to sell the property, disregarding the renters.
The medical assistant had to send her children to stay with relatives while she spent her days and nights in her car. I could sense her hesitation; how many nights had she endured this?
Her daughter faced eviction from her apartment after just a week, despite being current on rent.
> “There is no moral code, ethical principle, or sacred text that can justify what we have allowed our nation to become.” > — Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
My Reflections…
(2/15/2021, Monday Ice Storm - My Story, Lewisville, Texas) Pipes burst in my building, leading to collapsed ceilings, damaged insulation, and poor air quality.
3/4/2021 – A Letter from My Hotel Room to My Old Church in Memphis: “I ask for your prayers for Texas. The ice storm from 2/15/2021 left me in a freezing apartment without electricity since 7:30 AM, with my phone battery dwindling. Unable to use my CPAP, I struggled to stay awake in the dark to avoid freezing.
All routes were impassable. My brother's family, 45 miles away, was also trapped without power.
My cousin, Torsha, advised me to charge my phone in my car and stay warm there. However, navigating down the icy steps to the garage felt too risky.
Torsha contacted my sister, Daisy, in Austin, who arranged for her son Cameron to pick me up on 2/16/2021. He was accustomed to driving in icy conditions and transported me to his apartment until Thursday when their water also went out.
“We need to find a hotel; you can't go without your CPAP, Auntie!” he insisted.
In the cold, we searched for accommodations, avoiding slipping on black ice. We spotted a Comfort Suites hotel, only to find a sign claiming no available rooms.
I approached the front desk and asked about the sign. Fortunately, the manager confirmed they had three rooms available and encouraged me to book quickly due to high demand. My nephew booked the room for three nights, but I needed a longer stay. I explained my health concerns, and the manager promptly offered me a room for as long as I needed.
The electricity had been out the entire time in my apartment complex since 2/15/2021.
On 2/16/2021, I received an evacuation notice due to the water damage caused by the burst pipes. I struggled to charge my phone in my car because my charger was incompatible with my new phone.
At a nearby Target, I charged my phone, while others searched for basic supplies. I prepared for another night in my apartment, but I bought candles and blankets, knowing I might not return.
Upon returning, I found my neighbors outside, and one pointed out severe water damage in his garage. I dreaded going back to my apartment, so I offered a silent prayer.
As I made my way to my unit, a man from the neighboring building shared his own troubles of flooding caused by the storm.
Since 2/18/2021, I have been waiting for my insurance adjuster. Unfortunately, the management offered no guidance or alternatives, displaying a lack of concern and greed.
I requested a hotel voucher, but none was provided. They assumed people stayed with family or found hotels themselves. I asked what if someone had no family or hotel options.
Please pray for my neighbor Elaine, whose grandson discovered her in a freezing apartment, helplessly sitting in water. He took her home, reminding us all to check on our elderly friends and relatives.
Had it not been for God’s intervention, I could have perished during the drop in temperature, but my nephew was there to help.
I was scheduled for an inspection on 2/23/2021, but I ended up in the ER due to an asthma attack triggered by the apartment's conditions.
I finally signed a lease termination on 3/2/2021 after contacting corporate management. Now, I can search for a safer living situation. Please pray for this process as well.
Tragically, I learned of my cousin Zack's passing due to COVID-19 on 3/2/2021. He was a gentle soul, deeply missed by all.
Despite the challenges, I am grateful to be closer to my family in DFW, Texas, where the weather is always unpredictable.
My eye has developed issues from the exposure in the apartment, and I appreciate your prayers for my health and well-being.
Thank you for listening, and please keep me and my family in your prayers.
In Christian Love, Sis Crystal Guthrie
Mr. Holmes (The Lawyer)…
“I would like a free consultation to discuss my concerns regarding Lakepointe Residence Apartments.
- February 2021 Rent - return of unearned rent.
- Full deposit refund.
- Emergency services on 2/23/2021 due to an acute allergic reaction/severe asthma attack in #23C.
- Eye infection treatment from a dermatologist on 2/26/2021.
- Follow-up appointment for eye infection on 3/23/2021.
- Medical bills from the ER and other services.
- Previous unresolved issues:
- Noise from the riser room.
- Gas leaks in the neighbor's garage affecting sleep.
My neighbor Durrell highly recommended your services. Please let me know if you can assist.
Thank you for your time.”
Mr. Spinuzzi (Paramedics)…
“I received exceptional care from Paramedic Mike Farley and his team on 2/23/2021 at 2025 Lakepointe Dr, #23C, Lewisville, TX 75057.
The ice storm affected my building on 2/15/2021, causing extensive damage. I was in my apartment waiting for an inspection when my doctor’s office called and expressed concern for my health. They called 911 on my behalf.
After collapsing as I tried to descend the stairs, the paramedics arrived promptly. They ensured my safety and transported me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with an acute allergic reaction and severe asthma attack.
I spent over six hours in the ER receiving treatment.
> New Data Shows Who, Exactly, Got Evicted the Most During the Pandemic — Mother Jones
Mz. N tells me…
“My 89-year-old friend, Mz N, mentioned a woman at her church who lived in her car in a Walmart parking lot for an entire year without telling anyone.”
Mz N exclaimed, “Oh my, Lord! All those people…” “What people?” I inquired, hearing her TV report on individuals living in makeshift shelters.
Homeless Camps on the Rise…
Cities like Nashville are choosing to accommodate homeless encampments rather than disband them, as shelters are overwhelmed.
In Florida, officials are considering temporary housing solutions for the homeless, while Ontario provides basic services for a tent city on public land.
A church in Washington has recently set up a homeless camp in its parking lot, and cities like Ventura, California, are revising laws to allow overnight parking for those living in their cars.
After years of strict anti-camping laws, Sacramento has formed a task force to create designated homeless areas due to the overflow in shelters.
> “Often, evicted families lose the chance to access public housing because Housing Authorities view evictions and unpaid debts as disqualifying factors. Thus, those most in need of housing assistance, including the rent-burdened and evicted, are systematically denied support.” > — Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
The Essence of Home…
“The home serves as the heart of our lives, a sanctuary from the pressures of work and school, and a refuge from the outside world. Here, we can be our true selves, shedding our masks.
It is where our identities flourish, where we grow, play, and reflect. As we mature, we seek stability to build families or pursue careers. To understand ourselves, we often begin by reflecting on the homes of our youth.”
> — Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
Returning to the Beginning…
A young adult stops by to collect money while an older adult waits on a different level of the parking garage. Concerned, the older individual calls, asking, “Where are you?” They meet, and the older adult hands over the cash, feeling confused about the younger adult’s situation but not wanting to pry.
“Where are you staying?” the older adult inquires, met with a blank stare. “In my car, at a hotel, I’m fine,” comes the reply.
The older adult interprets, “In my car, on the street, or maybe on a park bench.”
“I’m heading to work now,” the young adult responds, assuring they won't be late for their warehouse job.
The older adult worries whether the young adult has eaten recently, hoping they are safe and mentally okay. Adulting is tough, and the older individual wonders when to step in and offer help. After a couple of weeks post-eviction, the young adult has been staying on the living room floor, looking fine yet struggling internally.
Another relative, also evicted, sleeps on the kitchen floor, waking early for work.
> “Generally, the impoverished do not aspire to a minimal existence. They do not seek to manipulate the system or merely survive; they desire to thrive and contribute.” > — Matthew Desmond, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City