Poverty (part 1) - Evicted
I recently listened to the book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Harvard ethnographer Matthew Desmond. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, it is an impressive piece of work. He spent close to a year living in some of Milwaukee's poorest neighborhoods, including a decrepit predominantly white trailer park and a mostly black neighborhood where he shared an apartment with a security guard he met in the trailer park. But the book isn't about him, it's about them...America's poor.
It's the type of book that leaves you feeling like your problems are trivial in comparison. Sure your house might need some work, but at least you have a place to call home. Yes your kids might drive you crazy at times, but at least you don't have worry about how you're going to feed them.
Aside from giving you some perspective, the book also leaves you thinking that something needs to be done. But what is the best course of action?
Desmond's focus in on secure housing (or the lack thereof). One study found that over 10% of renters in Milwaukee had faced eviction within the previous two years.
The situation is bleak to say the least. Milwaukee has a branch of their police force that is uniquely dedicated to enforcing evictions. Tenants lose to landlords in rent court 99% of the time (90% of landlords have lawyers while only 10% of tenants do). Tenants can get evicted for having the police visit their home too frequently, so victims of domestic violence have the choice between suffering abuse without aid and increasing the chances that they'll lose their home. Racial discrimination as well as discrimination against households with children is rampant.
Desmond portrays the common ripple effects of forced moves including loss of employment (missing work to move, new home too far from job), destabilization of neighborhoods, mental illness, suicide, loss of welfare benefits (missed appointments with social workers, mail not forwarded), and moving into even less desirable housing out of desperation. The personal stories are harrowing and heartbreaking. A short summary wouldn't do their stories justice...just go read the book.
It's the type of book that leaves you feeling like your problems are trivial in comparison. Sure your house might need some work, but at least you have a place to call home. Yes your kids might drive you crazy at times, but at least you don't have worry about how you're going to feed them.
Aside from giving you some perspective, the book also leaves you thinking that something needs to be done. But what is the best course of action?
Desmond's focus in on secure housing (or the lack thereof). One study found that over 10% of renters in Milwaukee had faced eviction within the previous two years.
Desmond portrays the common ripple effects of forced moves including loss of employment (missing work to move, new home too far from job), destabilization of neighborhoods, mental illness, suicide, loss of welfare benefits (missed appointments with social workers, mail not forwarded), and moving into even less desirable housing out of desperation. The personal stories are harrowing and heartbreaking. A short summary wouldn't do their stories justice...just go read the book.
Comments