Evicted

1. Eviction is a Common and Devastating Reality for the Urban Poor

Millions of Americans are evicted every year because they can’t make rent.

Widespread Problem. Eviction is not a rare occurrence but a pervasive issue affecting millions of Americans annually, particularly those in low-income communities. In Milwaukee alone, roughly 16,000 adults and children are evicted each year, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Beyond Statistics. The book personalizes this statistic by following the lives of eight families caught in the eviction process, revealing the human cost of housing instability. These stories demonstrate that eviction is not just a legal procedure but a life-altering event with far-reaching consequences.

Various Forms of Displacement. Eviction takes many forms, from formal court proceedings to informal, often illegal, methods employed by landlords. These "informal evictions" often occur in the shadows, leaving tenants with even fewer rights and protections.

2. The Housing Market Exploits Vulnerable Renters

We have failed to fully appreciate how deeply housing is implicated in the creation of poverty.

Profiting from Poverty. Landlords in impoverished areas often prioritize profit over tenant well-being, leading to substandard housing conditions and exploitative practices. The high demand for affordable housing allows landlords to maintain high rents despite the poor quality of their properties.

Unequal Power Dynamics. The imbalance of power between landlords and tenants is stark, with landlords often holding the upper hand in disputes and evictions. This power dynamic is further exacerbated by the lack of legal representation for tenants in housing court.

Systemic Issues. The housing market is structured in a way that disadvantages the poor, with limited affordable options and discriminatory practices that perpetuate inequality. This system allows landlords to extract wealth from vulnerable communities, further entrenching poverty.

3. Poverty Creates a Cycle of Instability and Loss

Losing a home sends families to shelters, abandoned houses, and the street. It invites depression and illness, compels families to move into degrading housing in dangerous neighborhoods, uproots communities, and harms children.

Domino Effect. Eviction triggers a cascade of negative consequences, including homelessness, job loss, and increased material hardship. This instability makes it even more difficult for families to escape poverty, creating a vicious cycle.

Psychological Toll. The stress and trauma of eviction can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, further hindering a family's ability to cope with their circumstances. The constant threat of displacement creates a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Loss of Possessions. Eviction often results in the loss of personal belongings, further stripping families of their dignity and stability. These possessions, often accumulated over years, represent more than just material wealth; they are tangible reminders of memories and identities.

4. Eviction's Impact Extends Beyond the Individual

Eviction reveals people’s vulnerability and desperation, as well as their ingenuity and guts.

Community Disruption. High eviction rates destabilize communities, eroding social ties and hindering collective action. When families are constantly moving in and out, it becomes difficult to build strong, supportive neighborhoods.

Children at Risk. Eviction has a particularly devastating impact on children, disrupting their education, social development, and overall well-being. The stress and instability of losing a home can have long-lasting consequences on their lives.

Social Networks Strained. The constant need for assistance and support can strain relationships with family and friends, further isolating evicted families. The burden of poverty can erode social capital, leaving individuals with fewer resources to draw upon.

5. The System Perpetuates Inequality

We have failed to fully appreciate how deeply housing is implicated in the creation of poverty.

Lack of Affordable Housing. The scarcity of affordable housing is a major driver of eviction, forcing low-income families to compete for limited resources. This competition drives up rents and creates a market where landlords can exploit vulnerable tenants.

Inadequate Government Support. The existing safety net is insufficient to address the scale of the housing crisis, leaving many families without the assistance they need to stay in their homes. This lack of support perpetuates a cycle of poverty and displacement.

Discriminatory Practices. Discriminatory housing practices, such as refusing to rent to families with children or those with criminal records, further limit options for low-income renters. These practices reinforce existing patterns of segregation and inequality.

6. The Power of Human Connection in the Face of Hardship

Eviction’s fallout is severe. Losing a home sends families to shelters, abandoned houses, and the street.

Support Networks. Despite the challenges they face, many families find strength and resilience in their relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. These support networks provide emotional, financial, and practical assistance during times of crisis.

Acts of Kindness. Even in the midst of hardship, acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant difference in people's lives. These small gestures of support can provide a glimmer of hope and a sense of community.

Shared Experiences. The shared experience of poverty and eviction can create a sense of solidarity and understanding among those who are struggling. This shared understanding can lead to mutual support and collective action.

7. The Fragility of Hope and the Resilience of the Human Spirit

Not everyone living in a distressed neighborhood is associated with gang members, parole officers, employers, social workers, or pastors. But nearly all of them have a landlord.

Fleeting Moments of Hope. Despite the constant challenges they face, many families cling to hope for a better future. These moments of optimism, however fleeting, provide the motivation to keep striving for a better life.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and many families find ways to cope with the trauma and stress of eviction. This resilience is often fueled by a deep love for their children and a determination to provide them with a better future.

The Search for Stability. The characters in "Evicted" are constantly searching for stability, a safe and affordable place to call home. This search is driven by a fundamental human need for security and belonging.

8. The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Housing Insecurity

In Milwaukee’s poorest black neighborhoods, eviction had become commonplace—especially for women.

Disproportionate Impact. Eviction disproportionately affects women of color, particularly African American women, who face systemic barriers to housing stability. This disparity highlights the intersection of race, gender, and poverty in shaping housing outcomes.

Gendered Expectations. Traditional gender roles and expectations can further exacerbate housing insecurity for women, who are often responsible for childcare and household management. These responsibilities can make it more difficult to maintain employment and pay rent.

Vulnerability to Abuse. Women experiencing domestic violence are particularly vulnerable to eviction, as landlords may penalize them for calling the police or for the actions of their abusers. This creates a Catch-22 situation where seeking help can lead to homelessness.

9. The Illusion of Choice and the Reality of Limited Options

Families have watched their incomes stagnate, or even fall, while their housing costs have soared.

Limited Agency. Poor families often have limited agency in the housing market, forced to accept substandard conditions and exploitative practices due to a lack of affordable alternatives. This lack of choice perpetuates a cycle of poverty and displacement.

False Promises. The American Dream of homeownership remains out of reach for many low-income families, who are often targeted by predatory lenders and steered into unsustainable mortgages. This pursuit of homeownership can lead to foreclosure and eviction.

The Trap of Debt. The need to secure housing can trap families in a cycle of debt, as they take out high-interest loans or rely on credit cards to cover rent and other expenses. This debt burden further limits their ability to escape poverty.

10. The Need for Systemic Change and a Reimagining of Housing as a Right

Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart.

Housing as a Human Right. The book argues that housing should be recognized as a fundamental human right, not a commodity to be bought and sold for profit. This shift in perspective would require a fundamental reimagining of our housing policies and priorities.

Policy Solutions. The book calls for a range of policy solutions, including expanding housing vouchers, increasing funding for affordable housing, and strengthening tenant protections. These measures would help to create a more just and equitable housing system.

A Call to Action. "Evicted" is not just a work of social science but a call to action, urging readers to confront the affordable housing crisis and advocate for systemic change. The book challenges us to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their income or background.

Last updated: February 18, 2025