People Lie

I've written about this before, and I should have written about it more. And, I'm sorry, this blog has not been the service it should have been.

One of the biggest lies in the homeless industry is the one that says, "many people live just a paycheck or two away from homelessness." It's a great line for those who want to generate sympathy for the homeless, especially when they are trying to raise funds for a charity. But, it's just not true. Besides the fact that it takes a mortgage company, or a landlord a couple months to legally reclaim property, there are many things a person can do to extend their stay in a house or apartment, long after they've lost the ability to pay rent.

Just imagine for a minute, though, about those people who actually believe that lie about homelessness. It creates in them a certain fear. Then imagine them losing their source of income. And after losing their job, and missing a payment on their house or apartment, they receive a letter from the mortgage company, or landlord demanding immediate payment or they will be evicted - another lie. The fear becomes overwhelming. Depression and resignation sets in. And, before you know it, these people are moving into their cars and abandoning their houses and apartments, and just assuming they have no recourse.

(I like that word "recourse." The Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as: "a turning to someone or something for help or protection."

That's the other lie that's causing so much trouble for people - the letter from the owner of the property demanding immediate payment, "or else." Of course, this lie, like the first one mentioned, is motivated by money. The bank is just wanting money the easiest fastest way it can get it. And they don't mind scaring a person into handing over their money. And the bank neglects to tell people that they have options, if they are unable to make a regular payment. You can negotiate with the bank for lower payments for a period of time. Well, you can negotiate just about anything, and people are willing to work with you, once you explain your situation with them. And that includes utility bills.

And if for some odd reason a landlord or mortgage company is unwilling to work with you, they are still obligated to following legal processes for evicting a person, including getting a court order to remove someone from a property, and that all takes time. Most people should be able to stay in their homes for at least three months after they've received their last paycheck. And if within that three month period a person becomes reemployed they only need notify people of their new income, and they'll be able to keep their place.

So, please, Don't Panic. You have options. Fight to keep your place. Don't believe the lies.