Summary
In the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Matthew Desmond's "Evicted" unveils the devastating consequences of eviction on low-income families. The book follows eight families, black and white, with and without children, as they navigate the brutal realities of the housing market. Sherrena, a landlord, and Tobin, a trailer park owner, represent the business side of housing, while Arleen, a single mother, and Larraine, a disabled woman, embody the struggles of tenants. Their stories intertwine, illustrating the complex relationships between landlords and tenants, and the ripple effect of eviction on communities.
The book opens with Sherrena's reluctance to evict Lamar, a man without legs, but her financial obligations outweigh her compassion. She sees the profit in providing housing to the black poor, while tenants like Lamar struggle to make ends meet on welfare checks. Lamar's apartment becomes a haven for his sons and their friends, offering stability and guidance amidst the challenges of poverty and the pervasive presence of police. Meanwhile, Patrice, a young mother, grapples with an eviction notice, highlighting the vulnerability of families with children.
The story shifts to Arleen, evicted from her favorite place, a run-down but spacious house. She endures substandard housing and dangerous neighborhoods, her efforts to find stability thwarted by eviction after eviction. Arleen's friendship with Crystal, a troubled young woman, offers temporary respite but ultimately ends in conflict and further displacement. The cycle of eviction pushes Arleen and her sons into shelters and overcrowded apartments, highlighting the lack of affordable housing options and the overwhelming burden of rent.
Larraine's struggle begins with a hot water issue in her trailer park, exposing the power dynamics between landlords and tenants. Tobin, the park owner, prioritizes profit over repairs, while Larraine faces eviction despite her efforts to pay. She finds temporary refuge with a friend but is ultimately rejected by public housing due to her eviction history. The book exposes the inadequacies of social services and the challenges faced by the disabled and elderly.
Scott, a former nurse battling addiction, finds solace in methadone treatment and temporary housing. However, a relapse and a misunderstanding lead to his eviction and a return to his old habits. Crystal, struggling with poverty and mental health issues, faces eviction from a shelter and turns to sex work for survival. Vanetta, a young mother, battles with unemployment and a criminal record, facing the threat of prison and the potential loss of her children.
The book culminates in the devastating fire at Lamar's building, claiming the life of Kamala's baby daughter. The tragedy exposes the dangers of substandard housing and the lack of safety measures. Arleen, facing yet another eviction, finds a glimmer of hope in a new apartment but is soon forced out again. Her perseverance is tested as she navigates the cycle of homelessness and unstable housing.
Desmond's "Evicted" underscores the importance of stable housing as a foundation for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The book challenges readers to confront the realities of poverty and inequality, and to consider the role of housing in the creation of both. It calls for a broader conversation about the right to decent housing and proposes solutions, such as legal aid for tenants and a universal housing voucher program. The book concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the transformative power of a good home and the potential for positive change.