TheHomeLess Experience

My family and I were evicted from our home recently by a predatory landlord who unjustly profited from us, while not maintaining a habitable rental unit. As we continued living there we were also looking for a new place in our price range, but everything in the area is so expensive along with not having enough property to ensure every person have a home, we stayed where we were. We were obligated to purchase space heaters as the unit didn't have a HVAC system, something that was claimed would be done. Under the guise we would be refunded. After not showing complete disregard to any law providing us with what we were paying for and the fact we were paying to do his job, and putting other obligations that are our responsibility to the side, was frustrating.  The added stress, along with trying to get my insurance back (lost it for being $56 over the income limit) to obtain  my Bipolar meds (approx $700 mth), caused me to have a mood episode and managing my bipolar 1 is very important, so I don't slip into a psychotic state. It was during this episode I decided that we would withhold the money and because he was forcing us to live in a rental not up to code or law, we were within our rights. 

I was mistaken. As I regained my meds and my mood began to stabilize,  and speaking with a Public Defender, I still stuck to my choice to fight. Today, I realize how stupid I was.and I all i really accomplished was wasted time finding a new place. But in the throws of mania and the idea that gives us those grandiose beliefs that I would change the indecency that the law allowed landlords and make the world a better place. 

It was not my intention for our family to be displaced, or be disrespectful to the landlord. We had never missed rent before. It was reading article after article, running on little sleep, and planning to right a wrong. But in the end, the judge believed the lies the landlord told him. That my boyfriend called him a few days after texts messages where exchanged about the repairs and what was needed to be done and said my boyfriend told him he didn't want a lease and space heaters where fine and the judge took it.  It was unreal. And all the judge said was we had the duty to pay him. No matter the habitability.  So we had 72 hours to pack and leave. We lost our pay for those days. We had no where to go, $1000 plus interest for the eviction, ruined rental history and it was heartbreaking. Then the added stressors searching for resources that aren't there. 

That is how we have came to the decision to share our story, and reach out to all of you for help. It was a very difficult thing, the anxiety and unease of putting a very emotional part of our lives out to the public.to know that your dignity was taken to swiftly with no concern for the damage it wreaks on people. The cruelty and coldness of an action like this is not an act of human decency but a betrayal on what we are taught. And for anyone who just reads this and shares my story, offers kind words, or donates, from the bottom of my heart and my families we thank you. And it will not be forgotten.

As we make our way through this maze, we will update you on our progress. Share with you the ups and downs and share any insight so if you or someone who you may know falls into this suffrage maybe something will help, save them time or find a better way. 

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