As Covid-19 has decimated many people’s ability to pay their rent, the moratorium on evictions has been a saving grace. However, on the other side of that grace are the small landlords who depend up their tenant’s rent to support their own basic needs. Every single one of these landlords who have come to POM for help have expressed their own grace toward their tenants; they understand and want to help as much as they can. But, the reality is they are struggling too.
“Darrell” and his wife, “Lisa” both have modest incomes from jobs that are normally stable and steady. Their salaries have taken a small dip, but they have a rainy-day savings which they hoped would get them through this challenging time. However, the second part of their income comes from a home that they rent out. This situation has worked well for several years as they intended to build equity in this home while using the rental income to supplement their basic living expenses. But, their tenants have suffered from the difficulties of Covid-19 too and have not been able to pay their rent for several months. Darrell & Lisa’s savings had finally been depleted and they didn’t know where to turn. When they came to POM they really didn’t need much; they just didn’t have enough to cover their entire utility bill. As winter is approaching, they were worried they wouldn’t have enough to keep the power on for heat and internet for their children’s schooling. We were able to cover half of their utility bill to keep them going. Darrell has taken on a new role at work to increase his hours. With that, and continuing to be as frugal as they can, they are hoping to remain stable until their tenants can catch up.
Darrell and Lisa are just two among several small landlords who have struggled through the pandemic’s trials. But, they know that POM and their community will be here for them as they continue to work through the challenges of 2020.
Thank you to everyone who has remained steadfast in your love and support. It is easy to become weary after so many months, but this community has not ceased caring for our neighbors in need.