CLEVELAND, Texas – In February, eviction rates in Houston soared, with a significant increase in people being forced out of their homes for nonpayment. The rise in evictions has led to a troubling spike in homelessness, as many of those evicted struggle to find new housing.
KPRC 2 Reporter Joy Addison visited a shelter in Cleveland, Texas, where individuals affected by eviction shared their stories. Despite holding jobs or receiving government assistance, many of the evicted were unable to keep up with increasing rent prices and the rising cost of living.
Shelters Overwhelmed as Eviction Rates Rise
One shelter in Cleveland operates three locations, all of which are now at full capacity. For some individuals, the situation is more complicated. Many of those seeking shelter in Cleveland have mobility issues, disabilities, or pets, making it difficult to find other places willing to accept them in Houston. And, with an eviction on their record, securing housing becomes an even greater challenge.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Brenda Simmons, a 75-year-old woman in the early stages of dementia, was evicted at the end of last year. She had worked at the same job in Texas for over 22 years but found herself falling behind on rent due to increasing costs. She recalled the day the sheriff’s deputies came to her door to force her out.
Simmons was left homeless for months, sleeping at a bus stop before finding shelter at Heartwarming Living Solutions in Cleveland. “I had a good job, but I just couldn’t keep up with the rising rent,” she shared. Now, she says she can no longer afford to live in Houston and is planning to return to Virginia.
Richard Miller, another resident at the shelter, faced a similar situation. Disabled and living on a fixed income, he struggled to make rent payments after his landlord raised the rent. “I couldn’t find anything affordable. They wanted $900 a month, and my check is not $2,700,” Miller said.
The Strain on Shelters
According to staff at the Heartwarming Living Solutions shelter, the demand for shelter placements has increased, dramatically. “We get calls every day about homeless placements, especially for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Evie Valportodesa, an owner of the shelter. “Many of these individuals are turned away from other shelters due to mobility issues, leaving them vulnerable to living on the streets and homelessness”
The Housing Crisis in Houston
The data speaks to a growing crisis. According to Princeton’s Eviction Lab, Last month, Houston landlords filed over 6,500 eviction cases. That’s more than three times the number filed in New York City, which has a population three times as large as Houston’s.
Experts say that the solution to the housing crisis is multifaceted. Some believe regulating rent prices or raising wages could help alleviate the burden on renters. However, many are concerned that without these changes, more people will find themselves facing eviction and homelessness.
The Legislative Debate
As the issue of rising evictions continues to impact Houston residents, the Texas Legislature is currently debating House Bill 23, a proposal that could speed up the eviction process and potentially strip tenants of some rights. This bill, if passed, may worsen the situation for renters already struggling to stay housed.
