Memphis Single Mother Shares Struggles After Eviction
Memphis, Tenn. — In a heart-wrenching tale of struggle and resilience, a single mother of five is bravely opening up about her life after being evicted from her home at a mobile home park in Whitehaven. Mercedes Hubbard has been living in her truck with her children since early October, and her story speaks volumes about the challenges many face in trying to keep a roof over their heads.
A Home No More
Hubbard, a dedicated mother, lived at Wheel Estate, a mobile home park, from September 22, 2023 until her eviction on October 3, 2024. Sadly, she felt her eviction could have been avoided. “I just had to be a mom and be real to them. I cover my kids, I try my best to make them not feel the world as much as I can while we’re in the vehicle,” she said, showcasing her unwavering spirit.
The rent increase she faced was a staggering jump from $762 a month to over $900, and she pointed to ongoing water leaks in her previous home that only complicated matters. “I haven’t been able to find any shelter; I mean, the shelters are full. I can’t go anywhere because I have all the fees that they left me with that was their problem from the leaks of my mobile home,” she explained, her frustration palpable. As of October 30, 2024, she owed a staggering $3,701.
A Complicated Eviction
Details of her eviction are troubling. In the eviction court, Hubbard claims the property manager added three months of rent on top of utility charges linked to the persistent water leaks. “The cost of the water leaks added hundreds of dollars to my rent each month,” she revealed, making it clear that her situation was exacerbated by circumstances out of her control.
An email obtained indicated that the Shelby County Court Division of Community Services requested Wheel Estate to grant Hubbard more time for rental assistance, stating, “a kind request to grant Mercedes Hubbard additional time to receive the rental assistance.” Despite this plea, the property manager stuck to their guns, insisting on her eviction. “We are unable to give Ms. Hubbard any extra time. We want possession of the home,” they stated.
The Struggle to Make Ends Meet
Mercedes expressed the emotional turmoil of her situation poignantly: “It’s a terrible feeling because I was lied to, and I was continuing to pay my rent on time.” She has juggled two jobs, and she openly shared her fears about potentially losing her truck to repossession if things don’t turn around. “I lost my jobs, I lost my place to stay, and my truck is on the verge of being lost because they’ll repo me,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Community Concerns
The situation at Wheel Estate isn’t just hard on Hubbard, as other tenants are also experiencing issues. Community liaison Kelcy Ramirez pointed out that water leaks are merely the tip of the iceberg, “We have potholes, and our street lights are not working, all of which have yet to be resolved.” Despite the City of Memphis taking the property to environmental court on November 22, residents are still waiting for significant changes.
“It’s disrespectful for residents to see that their constant complaints are ignored. Some residents have offered to help payment for something that is not their responsibility,” Ramirez noted. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as the City of Memphis code enforcement is expected to continue monitoring the situation. They have given Wheel Estate until January 3, 2025 to solve the issues they have been cited for, promising periodic checks to ensure progress is made.
A Call for Change
As Mercedes fights for her family’s future, her story highlights a larger conversation about housing security and community support. Advocates urge that more needs to be done to ensure families like hers have the support they need to make it through tough times. The resilience of a mother fighting for her children is truly inspiring, and it raises awareness about the realities facing many in our communities.
As we follow Mercedes’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, support, and understanding in the face of adversity. Here’s hoping that with community commitment, circumstances can change for the better!
